Source: Plubell et al., 2024. “Development of highly multiplex targeted proteomics assays in biofluids using the new Stellar mass spectrometer,” bioRxiv 2024.06.04.597431.

With the recent launch of Thermo Fisher’s Stellar mass spec at ASMS, it’s exciting to see first pre-prints emerging which include the use of Aurora Series columns with this instrument.

Plubell et al., from the MacCoss lab, demonstrate the development of highly multiplex targeted assays for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) using a cost-effective linear ion trap mass spectrometer, the Thermo Fisher Scientific Stellar.

The researchers utilized gas-phase fractionation (GPF) data-independent acquisition (DIA) to create libraries informing the development of parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) assays. They compared libraries generated using high-resolution accurate mass (HRAM) Orbitrap platforms and the nominal mass resolution Stellar, finding that libraries generated directly on the Stellar performed better quantitatively for PRM assays on the Stellar.

The study showcases the implementation of an Adaptive RT algorithm for real-time retention time alignment, enabling highly reproducible and accurate targeted assays. The researchers developed a neurodegenerative disease panel assay targeting 101 proteins of interest in CSF and a survey-style assay for plasma EVs, demonstrating the ability to capture biologically relevant information in complex samples.

What’s significant about this research is that it presents a cost-effective approach to developing and implementing highly multiplex targeted proteomic assays with potential applications in biomarker discovery and validation for neurodegenerative diseases.

It’s great to see the IonOpticks Aurora Elite 15×75 C18 column being used for targeted work on the Stellar mass spectrometer. We look forward to following the wider adoption of this new instrument and observing how researchers optimize its true performance with class-leading chromatography like the Aurora Series.

Publication
bioRxiv

Authors

Deanna L Plubell, Philip M. Remes, Christine C. Wu, Cristina C. Jacob, Gennifer E. Merrihew, Chris Hsu, Nick Shulman, Brendan X. MacLean, Lilian Heil, Kathleen Poston, Tom Montine, Michael J. MacCoss

Title

Development of highly multiplex targeted proteomics assays in biofluids using the Stellar mass spectrometer