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Welcome to the Biomarker Break Room, a research-based community where important clinical biomarkers and research techniques are discussed. Biomarker experts are invited to present their research and techniques on different proteins through quarterly interactive webinars. By attending this webinar series, you will gain more knowledge on clinical biomarkers and also learn about different research strategies and approaches from the experts in the field. If you have a biomarker of interest, let us know.
We look forward your participation—and, don't forget to grab a snack and relax!
| eDuration: | 47 minutes |
| Presenter: | Lewis Couchman, MSc, Clinical Scientist, Analytical Toxicology, King’s College Hospital, London, UK |
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Abstract: The analysis of peptides and proteins in biological fluids for clinical research and diagnostics is traditionally carried out using immunoassay-based methods. This is despite the fact that for many such assays, interferences are common, and exist as a result of (1) protein micro-heterogeneity and (2) the existence of variant forms. While the traditional immunoassay-based methods can be improved with careful antibody selection, the detection system itself is nonspecific (e.g., spectrophotometric or chemiluminescent). The analysis of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by mass spectrometric immunoassay (MSIA) has demonstrated the difficulty of measuring clinically important proteins using immunoassay alone. PTH measurement is useful in (1) differential diagnosis of hypercalcemia and (2) patients with renal impairment at risk of bone disease. An assay for PTH using MSIA was developed and compared with a second-generation automated immunoassay, with results suggesting that the immunoassay overestimates the amount of active PTH. In addition, use of MSIA is not restricted to protein analysis. Small molecule applications, such as the analysis of digoxin and metabolites for therapeutic drug monitoring, are also subject to significant interferences. The combination of targeted immuno-capture, followed by selective MS detection has also been applied successfully for this assay in our laboratory.
Presenter biography: Lewis Couchman is a clinical scientist at King's College Hospital, London. He began his training studying chemistry at Loughborough University, including a 1-year placement at the Medical Toxicology Unit, London. Following this, he undertook a 4-year clinical scientist training program, specializing in analytical toxicology, and completed a master’s degree at Queen Mary University of London.
| Duration: | 45 minutes |
| Presenter: | Eric Niederkofler, PhD, Senior Scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific |
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Abstract: Measurement of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a popular assay, resulting from the growing recognition of IGF-1 in the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic fields. Due to complexities in IGF-1 measurements and the mounting prevalence of IGF-1 in drug trials and athletic enhancement, current assays are being scrutinized for their accuracy and reproducibility. We will discuss how mass spectrometry is poised to provide a viable solution in these expanding areas.
Presenter biography: Eric Niederkofler, PhD, is a Senior Scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific with over 12 years of industrial experience in the development and use of protein immunossays and mass spectrometry. As a pioneer in the field of immuno-affinity mass spectrometry, he has presented at multiple conferences with more than 25 publications and book chapters. Prior to joining Thermo Fisher Scientific, Dr. Niederkofler was the Director of Assay Development at Intrinsic Bioprobes Inc., where he conducted government and industry-funded research through the successful development of mass spectrometric immunoassays for a variety of high profile protein biomarkers, such as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP).