Please go through the CHECKLIST below !
Very (very) Important Points ✔
Failure to follow these guidelines can significantly impact results. For instance, unwashed cells may retain high levels of albumin from the culture media, which can drastically reduce proteome coverage.
Samples are ONLY accepted in 1.5 ml microtubes. Other tube formats may be considered upon special arrangements.
Tubes MUST be numbered in sequential order : 1, 2, 3 …
Discussion ✔
Preliminary discussion BEFORE sample preparation is highly beneficial and increases chances of sucess. For complex and large-scale projects, this step is mandatory.
Pilot experiments are essential for assessing feasibility and optimizing protocols. They are typically quick to conduct and cost-effective.
Group leaders, if your project includes key proteomic experiments, please contact us during grant preparation. We can offer expert advice, provide a letter of support and assist with budget planning.
Sample preparation ✔
Cell pellets
- Wash pellet 2x with excess buffer (PBS)
- Spin & remove as much liquid as possible
- Freeze at -20°C or -80°C
- Specify the cell type and the approximate cell count on the submission form
Tissues
- Wash the tissue once with cold PBS or Tris buffer.
- Remove the liquid
- Weigh the tissue
- Freeze at -80°C
- Indicate the weight of the tissue piece on the submission form
Protein solution
Indicate on submission form :
- The complete and exact composition of the buffer/solvent, including any detergent (even trace amounts), salts, pH
- An estimate of protein concentration and the method used for its measurment
Affinity beads
- Wash once or twice with excess PBS or Tris buffer.
- Remove as much liquid as possible.
- Freeze at -20°C.
- Specify on the submission form: approximate volume of pelleted beads AND any residual liquid. If residual liquid is present, specify its composition /Type of beads used (agarose, magnetic), ideally including the product number /Expected amount and type of known protein present on the beads (antibody, GFP-trap …)
Polyacrylamide gel bands
- Stain the gel with MS-compatible Coomassie blue or Silver stain
- Carefully cut the desired bands using a clean scalpel under laminar flow
- Transfer the excised band(s) to 1.5ml microtube(s)
- Freeze at -20°C
- Complete the submission form indicating the approximate MW on gel or attach an image of the gel with MW marker
Sample submission and delivery ✔
- Clearly label the tubes with NUMBERS (1,2,3 … )
- Store at -20°C or -80°C.
- Fill-in the on-line submission form (see below) and attach any relevant files.
- Drop off or ship the samples to the facility, preferably on dry ice.
- Please contact us in advance to confirm your visit or shipment.
Is everythig clear ? You can now proceed with the online sample submission