Center for Computational Mass Spectrometry

Technology Research and Development Areas

Like other P41 Centers, CCMS is developing innovative core technologies through its Technology Research and Development (TRD), which support specific (Driving) Biological Projects (DBPs). However, it is unique in some respects. First, we focus on algorithmic rather than experimental research. Second, the core technologies being developed at CCMS are in support of new MS technologies rather than directly driving biomedical applications. Therefore, we are often challenged with creating 3-way collaborations with top MS technology experts as well as leading biomedical scientists. Our success in building and maintaining these collaborations are indicative of the impact of our core research. See below.

Research Area

Proteogenomics

CCMS is pioneering the use of Proteogenomics techniques to identify proteins that are not represented in (or vary from) the reference proteome. We look at both genetic and somatic variation.

Research Area

Antibiotics Sequencing

Antibiotics and other natural products have an unparalleled track record in pharmacology. CCMS is pioneering new mass-spectrometry based approach for identification of new antibiotics.

Research Area

Spectral Networks

The spectral networks paradigm pioneered at CCMS differs from the mainstream identification paradigm in that it derives consensus interpretations from sets of spectra from related peptides.

Research Area

Universal Tools for Mass Spectrometry

CCMS is developing new universal approaches to peptide identification that work well across the multitude of technology platforms in modern proteomics.

Research Area

Top Down Proteomics

CCMS collaborates with leading top-down proteomics researchers to develop new state-of-the-art tools for analyzing top-down spectra of intact proteins.

Research Area

Multiplexed Mass Spectrometry

Multiplexed spectra have the potential to dramatically increase the sensitivity and reproducibility of proteomics MS but nearly all algorithms need to be redesigned for identification of such spectra.