A new platform strengthens proteomics in Umeå, enabling faster analyses and more users

Increased capacity and faster access

The investment means that researchers gain local access to advanced proteomics analyses, which will hopefully result in short turnaround times. The platform has been enabled by generous support from the Kempe Foundation, in collaboration between the Department of Chemistry, MIMS, and the Faculty of Science and Technology.

The platform provides support throughout the entire process, from project design to sample preparation, analysis, and interpretation of results. Researchers can receive help planning experiments, submitting samples, and obtaining both data and an initial analysis as a basis for further studies. This approach is intended to make it easier to take the next step in research.

–Our strength lies in our local presence. We can work quickly, maintain close dialogue with users and keep queues short, says André Mateus, one of the two directors of the platform.

New types of analyses

With the increased capacity, it is possible to identify which proteins are present in complex samples, compare protein levels between, for example, healthy and diseased tissue, and study the effects of drugs or mutations. The platform also makes it possible to identify biomarkers linked to different disease states.

At the same time, the ambition is not to replace national infrastructures, but to complement them. Local availability gives more researchers the opportunity to test ideas, develop projects, and receive rapid feedback. 

In the longer term, the initiative may contribute to new collaborations and further investments in advanced equipment.

–The aim is to build a strong local platform that can continue to develop and remain at the technology forefront,  says André.

André Mateus and Iker Valle Aramburu together with Shaochun Zhu, Staff scientist at Umeå Proteomics Platform.

Image[Simon Jönsson]

Part of a broader omics offering

With the proteomics platform in place, a complete range of so‑called omics methods is now available in Umeå, opening up combined analyses and new research opportunities in several areas.

–With proteomics in place, we now have a complete omics-portfolio in Umeå. This creates new opportunities to combine different types of data and address research questions from multiple angles, says Iker Valle Aramburu.

This type of accessible research infrastructure is also a key prerequisite for enabling advanced studies, attracting external projects and building competitive research environments over time.