Samples for mass spectrometry can be chosen from 1D or 2D gels run at the Proteomics facility here or from gels run in your own lab.  For gels that are not run here, please pay close attention to the guidelines we provide regarding sample preparation. 

It is important to pay attention to the following:

• The more protein you submit, the better your results will be. This is important to keep in mind when preparing samples, and also when examining your gel images; although you can see more with a more sensitive stain, you have less protein than you would expect from the same spot with a less sensitive stain.
• Maintain a good ratio of protein to gel; the more saturated the sample is, the better results you will achieve from in-gel digest.
• Gel thickness can matter. There is potential for some protein loss through the destain and early digest when using thin gels. It is best to have 1.0 mm gels.
• Only stain with the minimal amount, and only as long as needed to see the band/spot. This is not a method for gel analysis, this is specifically for LC MS/MS. Less destaining is less protein loss.
• When creating sample cuts: you have the option to submit us the entire gel with instruction of what you are interested in. If you cut the gels yourself, remove as much unnecessary gel as possible (any unstained portion surrounding the sample). At the same time, DO NOT sacrifice sample by cutting too close!
• Any sealed container is fine for submission. You simply do not want to dry out or damage the gel in transit. For cut samples, store them in Eppendorf tubes, and for entire gels, some sort of tupperware or plastic container is fine. Minimal water/holding solution. Store at 4 degrees or colder until shipping, and then ship packaged with dry ice. 

Please contact Alexander Ivanov (432-4380) or Emily Freeman (432-1737) with additional questions about preparing your sample for mass spec submission.