Monash University's Proteomics & Metabolomics Platform Strengthens Partnerships with Seer and Thermo Fisher Scientific

Credit - Monash University

Monash University's Proteomics & Metabolomics Platform is set to revolutionise the field of proteomics and multiomics with its latest partnerships with Seer, Inc. and Thermo Fisher Scientific. This collaboration brings cutting-edge technology to the forefront of research, enhancing the platform's capabilities and opening new avenues for scientific discoveries and translational omics research.

The platform has recently acquired two state-of-the-art pieces of equipment:

  • Proteograph XT Workflow including the SP100 Automation Instrument (Seer Inc.)
  • Thermo Scientific ™ Orbitrap ™  Astral ™ Mass Spectrometer (MS)

Combining the automated and robust Proteograph XT workflow for nanoparticle-based protein enrichment with the Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer’s sensitivity and speed of analysis enables unprecedented deep proteomic profiling of plasma samples and other biofluids. Together, these breakthrough technologies allow for the characterisation of more than 8,000 proteins across a human plasma study and between 60,000 and 70,000 peptides per sample, a significant leap from conventional methods that typically detect and quantify around 1,500 proteins in plasma. Seer’s Proteograph XT workflow includes the Proteograph XT nanoparticle assay and the SP100 Automation Instrument, offering minimal hands-on time for sample prep so a single user can process up to 400 samples each week. Also included in the workflow is the Proteograph Analysis Suite for robust data analysis in large-scale proteomic studies.

Credit - Monash University

This new capability is a game-changer for both basic and translational research. It opens up new avenues for biomarker discovery and precision (personalised) medicine, significantly bolstering and supporting ongoing and future translational and clinical research. The ability to analyse such a vast array of proteins provides researchers with a deeper understanding of biological processes and disease mechanisms, paving the way for innovative and at population scale treatments and therapies.

Currently, thirty-five per cent of the platform's business caters to external requests, including Australian academics and industry-based researchers. The faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University has a strategic vision to grow this external engagement, leveraging these new capabilities to attract more collaborative projects and partnerships globally and across the country.

This expansion not only enhances the platform's research output but also strengthens its position as an international and national multiomics leader through proteomics and metabolomics research.

"The integration of the Proteograph XT workflow and the Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer into our platform marks a significant milestone in our research capabilities. This advanced technology not only enhances our ability to conduct deep proteomic profiling but also positions us at the forefront of biomarker discovery and precision medicine.” said Professor Ralf Schittenhelm, Director of the Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Platform.

“We’re very committed to accelerating science through technology and innovation, and as the world leader in serving science, it’s a privilege to help enable leading-edge research and clinical translation. This is another great example of the relationship between Thermo Fisher Scientific and Monash University, and it's through this partnership that we continue to collaborate in our endeavours to solve some of societies greatest challenges. ” said Domenic Stranieri, Vice President & General Manager, Australia & New Zealand, Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Professor Ian Smyth, Associate Dean (Research and Research Infrastructure) added, “we are excited about the potential this brings for groundbreaking research and the positive impact it will have on clinical trials and personalised healthcare".

These partnerships highlight the significant advancements and strategic growth of Monash University's Proteomics & Metabolomics Platform, showcasing its commitment to cutting-edge research and collaboration.

About the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University

Committed to making discoveries that will relieve the future burden of disease, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University brings together more than 120 internationally renowned research teams. Spanning seven discovery programs across Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Development and Stem Cells, Infection, Immunity, Metabolism, Diabetes and Obesity, and Neuroscience, Monash BDI is one of the largest biomedical research institutes in Australia. Our researchers are supported by world-class technology and infrastructure, and partner with industry, clinicians and researchers internationally to enhance lives through discovery.

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