<p><strong>Dr. Vojtěch Dočekal and <a href="https://orgchem.natur.cuni.cz/vesely/"><strong>Prof. Jan Veselý</strong></a> from the <a href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/companies/257"><strong>Department of Organic Chemistry</strong></a>, <a href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/companies/16"><strong>Faculty of Science, Charles University</strong></a> described a new highly efficient method for the preparation of planar chiral compounds.</strong></p>
<p>The method based on organocatalytic desymmetrization was published in the prestigious journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-47407-0"><strong>Nature Communications</strong></a>. <strong>Congratulations!</strong></p>
<p>Planar chiral [2.2]paracyclophanes contain two suitably substituted benzene nuclei linked at the <em>para</em> positions by ethylene bridges. Such compounds have a wide range of applications either as ligands or catalysts in synthetic chemistry, but also in materials science or medicine. Despite the wide range of applications, only a limited number of studies have been described for their preparation in enantiomerically pure form.</p>
<p>The methodology developed in the asymmetric synthesis group is based on the highly efficient desymmetrization of prochiral [2.2]paracyclophanes substituted with two formyl groups in suitable positions. In a key transformation, one of the prochiral aldehyde groups is selectively transformed to an ester, leading to the formation of a planar chiral product using asymmetric synthesis methods. Methodologies using catalysis by low molecular weight chiral catalysts derived from natural amino acids, more specifically using so-called <em>N</em>-heterocyclic carbenes, have proven to be highly effective for such asymmetric esterification.</p>
<p>In addition to the optimization of the methodology, a study of the scope of application of the developed transformation, or a study of the synthetic applicability of the chiral products, the publication includes a detailed experimental mechanistic study that reveals interesting differences in the reactivity of the starting diformyl[2.2]paracyclophanes.</p>


An innovative approach to planar chiral substances

<h3><strong>About us</strong></h3>
<p>Our laboratory is equipped with high-end mass spectrometry instruments, which offers services in field of <strong>PROTEOMICS</strong> and <strong>METABOLOMICS</strong>. All our services are available for everybody from the academic and non-academic areas.</p>
<h5><a href="https://www.biocev.eu/en/services/omics-mass-spectrometry-core-facility.6#core-facility-services"><strong>Our Services:</strong></a></h5>
<ul>
<li><strong>Preparation of samples</strong> for analysis (cells, body fluids, tissues, plants etc.)</li>
<li><strong>Targeted</strong> or <strong>untargeted</strong> <strong>proteomics</strong> and <strong>metabolomics</strong> analysis</li>
<li><strong>Data analysis</strong> and basic statistical evaluation</li>
<li><strong>Consultation</strong> of experimental design and the results</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Proteomics:</strong></h5>
<p>We are modern well equipped laboratory with the technical background able to perform most of the currently used <a href="https://www.biocev.eu/en/services/omics-mass-spectrometry-core-facility.6/untargeted-proteomics.24?t=s"><strong>untargeted</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.biocev.eu/en/services/omics-mass-spectrometry-core-facility.6/targeted-proteomics.25?t=s"><strong>targeted</strong></a> proteomic measurements. We provide full proteomics service, including protein isolation from the supplied sample to evaluation and consultation of the measured data. Since 2015, we handle approximately 300 orders per year (roughly 3000 samples). Results based on measurements from our laboratory were used in dozens of publications. To consult your plan, please contact Karel Harant (karel.harant@natur.cuni.cz) or Pavla Talacko (pavel.talacko@natur.cuni.cz).</p>
<h5><strong>Metabolomics:</strong></h5>
<p>As a service, we provide <a href="https://www.biocev.eu/en/services/omics-mass-spectrometry-core-facility.6/targeted-metabolomics.26?t=s"><strong>targeted</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.biocev.eu/en/services/omics-mass-spectrometry-core-facility.6/untargeted-metabolomics.30?t=s"><strong>untargeted</strong></a> analysis of small molecules. Thanks to the combination of equipment for <strong>LC-MS</strong> and <strong>GCxGC-MS</strong>, it is possible to measure a wide range of small molecules. We use several types of <strong>C18</strong> and <strong>HILIC</strong> stationary phase columns on LC. For GC, we have various columns for different types of analytes. Individual measuremnts must always be consulted in advance, an individual approach and method must be chosen for each group of molecules. Please contact Olga Součková (souckoo@natur.cuni.cz) for LC-MS or Petr Žáček (zacek@natur.cuni.cz) for GCxGC-MS.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>All our services are available for everybody from the academic and non-academic areas.</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Contact us before you start your first experiment: +420 325 873 925!</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>23.7.2024 Waiting time from “sample to result” is approximately 6-8 weeks.</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/BIOCEV_Introducing_BIOCEV_OMICS_Mass_Spectrometry_Core_Facility_cover_image_7cb6de4462.jpg" alt="BIOCEV: BIOCEV OMICS Mass Spectrometry Core Facility"/></p>
<h3><strong>Services</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Preparation of samples for analysis</li>
<li>Untargeted and targeted proteomics</li>
<li>Untargeted and targeted metabolomics</li>
<li>Data analysis and basic statistical processing</li>
<li>Consultation of experiment design and measured data</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>Untargeted proteomics</strong></h4>
<h5><strong>Up to 8000 identified proteins in one injection.</strong></h5>
<p>A basic type of proteomic experiment. Complete lysate is digested with trypsin. The resulting peptides are desalted and separated on a reverse phase column. Due to the low amount of proteins and the high complexity of the sample, liquid chromatography is currently most often used in nanoflow - hundreds of nanoliters per minute. Liquid chromatography is directly connected to the electrospray of the Orbitrap Fusion or Orbitrap Ascend mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer measures alternately in two modes: MS¹, where peptide masses are measured in the Orbitrap with high resolution and accuracy, and MS², in which peptides selected from the previous MS¹ scan are fragmented. These are measured either again in the Orbitrap or in the ion trap. The ion trap provides lower accuracy and resolution than the Orbitrap, but is faster and more sensitive.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>We offer untargeted proteomics measurement and analysis of post-translational modifications in different types of samples (cells, tissues, body fluids, plant samples, etc.).</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Our newest service is &quot;Thermal proteome profiling (TPP)&quot; that allows you direct detection of drug-protein interactions in living cells.</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<h5><strong>Examples of analyses:</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>LFQ (label free quantification)</li>
<li>TMT (tandem mass tags)</li>
<li>TPP (Thermal proteome profiling)</li>
<li>phosphoproteome profiling</li>
<li>pull-down experiments</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Tips for sample handling:</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>do not use trypsin for cell harvesting</li>
<li>inform us about presence of detergent</li>
<li>always keep in mind same protein loading for pull-down experiments (eg. Co-immunoprecipitation)</li>
<li>do not use phosphatase inhibitors for phosphoproteomic experiments</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>Targeted proteomics</strong></h4>
<h5><strong>Accurate quantification of selected proteins.</strong></h5>
<p>Method aims to validate the results from an untargeted approach. It is performed on a triple quadrupole in SRM mode or using the MRM method on an Orbitrap. It is an an alternative approach to common techniques such as western blot. The advantage of this approach is the possibility to analyze several proteins (dozens) at once during one injection. This eliminates the problem of finding suitable antibodies.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>The targeted proteomics service is always project specific and we offer it after prior meeting with the customer.</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Parallel analysis of peptides labeled with heavy amino acids is essential. These serve as an internal standards.</p>
<p>The amount of proteins that can be targeted in one injection using a triple quadrupole, is strongly dependent on the concentration of the target proteins in the sample. The lower the expression of the target proteins, the less it is possible to analyze them in one injection due to the need for higher loading times. Information of fragmentation properties of targeted peptides is also important. This is usually obtained from an untargeted experiment, which should precede the targeted proteomic analysis. If the protein of interest was not detected during an untargeted experiment, then its targeted analysis is very difficult. However, in some cases fragmentation information can be obtained from publicly available databases.</p>
<h5><strong>Tips for sample handling:</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>do not use trypsin for cell harvesting</li>
<li>inform us about presence of detergent</li>
<li>always keep in mind same protein loading for pull-down experiments (eg. Co-immunoprecipitation)</li>
<li>do not use phosphatase inhibitors for phosphoproteomic experiments</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/BIOCEV_Introducing_BIOCEV_OMICS_Mass_Spectrometry_Core_Facility_Targeted_proteomics_1_f0605d8efc.jpg" alt="BIOCEV: Introducing BIOCEV OMICS Mass Spectrometry Core Facility - Targeted proteomics."/></p>
<p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/BIOCEV_Introducing_BIOCEV_OMICS_Mass_Spectrometry_Core_Facility_Targeted_proteomics_2_f1af260d27.jpg" alt="BIOCEV: Introducing BIOCEV OMICS Mass Spectrometry Core Facility - Targeted proteomics."/></p>
<h4><strong>Untargeted metabolomics</strong></h4>
<p>The goal of untargeted metabolomics is to cover the widest possible spectrum of metabolites present in the sample, their identification, and quantification. The development of this approach was made possible by the recent advances in instrumentation and computing. Our laboratory equipment enables non-targeted analyses by liquid and gas chromatography.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>We offer untargeted analyses of metabolites in various biological matrices and basic statistical evaluation of the data (Figure 2, 3, 4).</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Our newest service is stable isotope tracing (Figure 1).</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<p>HPLC-MS/MS (Figure 2): Analyzes are performed on Thermo Scientific equipment on an Ultimate 3000 liquid chromatograph coupled to an Orbitrap Fusion mass detector. The measured data are evaluated by the Compound Discoverer software.</p>
<p>GCxGC-MS (Figure 3): Analyzes are performed on a two-dimensional comprehensive chromatograph connected to a Pegasus 4D mass detector. We evaluate the data in ChromaTOF v4.5 software.</p>
<p>The liquid chromatography method covers non-volatile substances, generally polar, soluble in water, and polar organic solvents (methanol, acetonitrile...). The gas chromatography method is more suitable for analyzing stable volatile non-polar substances up to a weight of approx. 1000 Da. The range of measured substances can be increased for both methods eg., by chemical modifications (derivatization) of the analyzed molecules, which adjust their polarity and volatility (for GC) and/or stability (for LC). We choose a suitable technique or a combination of several techniques based on prior consultation with the customer.</p>
<p>The untargeted analysis results in a list of substances found in the samples, a proposal of probable structures, and an indication of the quantity of individual compounds. We also provide a basic statistical evaluation focusing on looking for differences between the tested sample groups (Figure 4).</p>
<h5><strong>Tips for sample handling:</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>do not use phosphate buffers in the sample</li>
<li>inform us about sample type, growth medium, chemicals used, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/BIOCEV_Introducing_BIOCEV_OMICS_Mass_Spectrometry_Core_Facility_Untargeted_metabolomics_Fig_1_11750e6992.jpg" alt="BIOCEV: Introducing BIOCEV OMICS Mass Spectrometry Core Facility - Untargeted metabolomics Fig. 1."/></p>
<p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/BIOCEV_Introducing_BIOCEV_OMICS_Mass_Spectrometry_Core_Facility_Untargeted_metabolomics_Fig_2_5ca1521705.jpg" alt="BIOCEV: Introducing BIOCEV OMICS Mass Spectrometry Core Facility - Untargeted metabolomics Fig. 2."/></p>
<p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/BIOCEV_Introducing_BIOCEV_OMICS_Mass_Spectrometry_Core_Facility_Untargeted_metabolomics_Fig_3_f4f1050fc5.jpg" alt="BIOCEV: Introducing BIOCEV OMICS Mass Spectrometry Core Facility - Untargeted metabolomics Fig. 3."/></p>
<p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/BIOCEV_Introducing_BIOCEV_OMICS_Mass_Spectrometry_Core_Facility_Untargeted_metabolomics_Fig_4_b3e198dbc9.jpg" alt="BIOCEV: Introducing BIOCEV OMICS Mass Spectrometry Core Facility - Untargeted metabolomics Fig. 4."/></p>
<h4><strong>Targeted metabolomics</strong></h4>
<p>Targeted metabolomics includes analyses of selected metabolites, which are then detected selectively and with greater sensitivity than applying an untargeted approach. It is also possible to quantify substances both relatively and absolutely. In the case of absolute quantification, it is necessary to supply a suitable labeled analog of the determined substance.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>We offer analysis of primary cellular metabolites - see List of substances.</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>We analyze metabolites in tissues, cell pellets, incubation media, and body fluids (plasma, urine...).</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>We also offer the possibility of developing a method for the analysis of substances that are not in the attached list or for other matrices.</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<p>The attached list contains substances with the analysis of which we have experience. We adapt each method to the type of experiment and matrix. We can develop a method for any substance or group of substances capable of being detected by liquid and gas chromatography techniques (both connected to a mass detector or a UV detector in liquid chromatography). In the case of the development of a new method, it is necessary to supply the standards of these substances.</p>
<h5><strong>Tips for sample handling:</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>do not use phosphate buffers in the sample</li>
<li>inform us about sample type, growth medium, chemicals used, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/BIOCEV_Introducing_BIOCEV_OMICS_Mass_Spectrometry_Core_Facility_Targeted_metabolomics_List_of_substances_a6a4198b34.jpg" alt="BIOCEV: Introducing BIOCEV OMICS Mass Spectrometry Core Facility - Targeted metabolomics: List of substances."/></p>
<h3><a href="https://www.biocev.eu/en/services/omics-mass-spectrometry-core-facility.6#core-facility-equipment"><strong>Equipment</strong></a></h3>
<h4><strong>Mass spectrometers</strong></h4>
<h5><strong>Orbitrap Ascend</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?instrumentationItems=31-32-33-30&amp;mainauthorItems=3&amp;search=Ascend"><strong>Application in the LabRulezLCMS library</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p>Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Ascend Tribrid mass spectrometer, offering new capabilities for multiplexed proteomics and native protein characterization. The mass spectrometer enables improved sample throughput, versatility and ease-of-use — producing high quality data with simplicity. More samples can be analyzed at lower concentrations, enabling faster, more sensitive analysis, and macromolecule experiments, that were not possible before, can now be achieved. The new Auto-Ready ion source for calibration maximizes convenience, allowing the user to spend more time on the results, and less time on instrument set-up.</p>
<h5><strong>Orbitrap Fusion</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?instrumentationItems=31-32-33-30&amp;mainauthorItems=3&amp;search=Fusion"><strong>Application in the LabRulezLCMS library</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p>Mass spectrometer combining Quadrupole, Ion trap and Orbitrap. The quadrupole is used as a mass filter for the selection of precursors, after which the instrument branches and the ions can travel either to the Orbitrap - a very accurate and high-resolution mass analyzer that uses the Fourier transform to determine their mass, or to the collision cell, where they can be fragmented. From there, the path leads either back to the Orbitrap or further to the linear ion trap. This serves as the second mass analyzer in the device. It is less accurate and low-resolution, but provides greater sensitivity and the possibility of ion fragmentation. Fragmentation products can be isolated in the trap and fragmented again. This enables analysis in MS³ and even higher levels of fragmentation.</p>
<h5><strong>TSQ Quantiva Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?instrumentationItems=31-32-35&amp;mainauthorItems=3&amp;search=Quantiva"><strong>Application in the LabRulezLCMS library</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Leco - Pegasus® 4D GCxGC-TOFMS</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?instrumentationItems=3-13-2&amp;mainauthorItems=24&amp;search=4D"><strong>Application in the LabRulezGCMS library</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>Liquid chromatography</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li>nano LC Thermo Dionex Ultimate 3000</li>
<li>LC Thermo Dionex Ultimate 3000</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>Sample preparation</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li>KingFisher Flex</li>
<li>vacuum concentrator</li>
<li>Low flow fraction collector - Spider</li>
<li>Bioruptor pico - sonication bath</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>Software</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li>Spectronaut 19</li>
<li>FreeStyle</li>
<li>ChromaTOF 4.5</li>
<li>Proteome Discoverer 2.2</li>
<li>Scaffold Q+S 4.6.1</li>
<li>Compound Discoverer 3.3</li>
<li>TraceFinder</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Software - Freeware</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>LipidHunter</li>
<li>MaxQuant</li>
<li>Perseus</li>
<li>Skyline</li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="https://www.biocev.eu/en/services/omics-mass-spectrometry-core-facility.6#core-facility-team"><strong>Team</strong></a></h3>
<h5><strong>Mgr. Karel Harant</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Head of Proteomic Core Facilty</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Mgr. Pavel Talacko</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Non-targeted proteomics, targeted proteomics</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>RNDr. Petr Žáček, Ph.D.</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>GC / MS specialist, small molecule analysis</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Mgr. Veronika Ševců</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>researcher, preparation of proteomic samples</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>RNDr. Petr Žáček, Ph.D.</strong></h5>
<h5><strong>Mgr. Veronika Ševců</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>researcher, preparation of proteomic samples</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Ing. Olga Součková, Ph.D.</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>LC/MS specialist, small molecule analysis</li>
</ul>


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The Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University is engaged in teaching and scientific research in the fields of synthetic organic chemistry, bioorganic and medicinal chemistry, materials chemistry, and electrochemistry.

Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University

BIOCEV is a scientific centre of excellence in biotechnology and biomedicine, which aims to detailed study of cellular mechanisms at the molecular level, research and development of novel therapeutic strategies, early diagnostics, biologically active agents including chemo-therapeutics, protein engineering and other technologies. Endowed with superb instruments and equipment, BIOCEV brings together enthusiastic teams of well-trained scientists from six institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences and two faculties of the Charles University.

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