4655 Absolute Quantification of Proteins in Mass Spectrometers for Diagnostic Use

In this project, we will develop a novel way to quantitatively measure protein concentrations in biofluids. We expect that this technology will be widely applied in medical diagnostics and proteomics research, a multi-billion euro market in which mass spe ctrometry plays a key role. We aim to valorize this technology by founding a company during the course of this project. We propose to develop affordable internal peptide standards as an innovative alternative to current methods. Synthetic peptides will b e designed with similar properties, yet distinguishable from the peptide of interest in mass spectrometry. As case study, human reference Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) will be elaborated but all methods and databases will be developed in such a manner that th ey can easily be extended to other biofluids. The ultimate aim of this project is to develop a library of synthetic peptides that can be used for absolute quantification on any mass spectrometry platform. To test this database, CSF from Alzheimer and Mul tiple sclerosis patients will be measured and compared to the absolute concentrations in the database obtained from the reference CSF material. This would eventually show leads for Alzheimer and multiple sclerosis. The synthetic peptides, the library and the database will be suitable for use in clinical chemistry labs for diagnostics of neurodegenerative diseases in general and in pharmaceutical industry for drug discovery of central nervous system disorders.