Amster, Jon
Research Interest
My research group develops new mass spectrometric methods for the identification and structural analysis of high molecular weight molecules such as peptides, proteins, carbohydrates, and synthetic polymers. These molecules present many challenges because of their structural complexity, thermal lability and nonvolatility. Our projects combine instrumentation development and technique development with applications to problems of biological and chemical significance. We specialize in high resolution, accurate mass measurement utilizing Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS). Current projects include the development of new methods for rapid identification and quantitation of the components of cellular protein extracts (proteomics), the development of electron detachment and electron induced dissociation methods for the structural analysis of glycosaminoglycan carbohydrates, and the synthesis and application of novel “mass-defect label” reagents for enhancing proteomic analysis and protein cross-linking studies.
Lab description: more biological than computational.