Tandem Mass Tags (TMT) technology, developed by Thermo, is a tandem mass spectrometry labeling technique primarily used for identifying and quantifying proteins in different samples. Each TMT labeling reagent consists of an NHS-ester group with amine-reactive properties, a mass normalization group, and an MS/MS reporter group. The isotopic tags of each labeling reagent have the same precursor mass. After the reagent labels the digested peptides, it can react with the N-terminal and primary amine groups of side chains of amino acids, and is detected through the reporter group.
TMT technology can use up to 11 stable isotope tags, allowing for the simultaneous comparison of the relative protein content in up to 10 different samples. It can label nearly all peptide or protein samples. Due to its capability to handle up to 11 samples, TMT is widely used in the discovery of quantitative protein biomarkers. By selecting 2-plex, 6-plex, or 10-plex isotopic tags, the relative protein content in 2, 6, or 10 different sample groups can be compared simultaneously.
Workflow of TMT-based proteomics services
TMT quantitative analysis is performed by measuring the intensity of fragment reporter ions released during peptide fragmentation in a tandem mass spectrometry mode (MS2). Precursor ions are selected for fragmentation in full scan mode (MS1). This ion selection step reduces noise levels, providing favorable conditions for subsequent analysis steps. Ideally, only one selected precursor ion undergoes fragmentation during this process. However, in practice, other precursor ions are often captured within the specified m/z window and fragmented along with the selected precursor.
Biotech Co., Ltd. employs Thermo Fisher's Orbitrap Fusion Lumos mass spectrometry platform combined with nanoLC-MS/MS nanoliter chromatography to provide TMT-based proteomics analysis services. The Orbitrap Fusion Lumos mass spectrometer is currently the most sensitive and highest resolution mass spectrometer, ensuring sensitivity in identifying low-abundance peptide fragments. Simultaneously, it employs a combination of HCD and ETD modes during peptide fragmentation to ensure the integrity of peptide fragmentations.
*TMT proteomics analysis technology can be used forphosphoproteomicsanalysis.
About the samples
Biotech Co., Ltd. can perform TMT proteomics analysis on samples in liquid and solid states. Solid samples can be shipped with ice packs, while solution samples can be vacuum-dried or freeze-dried and shipped with ice packs, or shipped using dry ice. Feel free to call for consultation.
