HDX-MS is a sophisticated and powerful technique that enables researchers to study protein dynamics. The Sekulić group at NCMM has recently purchased and set up an instrument that is specifically tailored for HDX measurements - the first and only instrument with these capabilities in Norway. This technology will eventually move to the new Life Science building and provide a facility to serve multiple groups across Oslo and the rest of Norway.
To ensure that the set up and early stages of data collection for the HDX-MS system are performed at the highest possible standards, Dr Nikolina Sekulić invited Dr Mayne to visit NCMM as a Fulbright specialist. For the last 30 years, Dr Mayne has been working on various aspects of protein HDX together with Professor Walter Englander, one of the true pioneers of the technique. The purpose of Dr Mayne’s visit was not only to help establish this methodology at NCMM, but also to educate local students and the wider scientific community about technical and practical aspects of the technique.
During his visit, Dr Mayne installed and partially re-programed software for HDX-MS data analysis called ExMS. This software was originally developed in Professor Englander’s lab and will provide a valuable analysis tool for the Sekulić lab. Dr. Mayne also had valuable suggestions for improving instrumental set-up and experimental design that will ensure high quality of the data collected by the Sekulić group. In addition, Dr. Mayne delivered an open special seminar titled ‘Protein Structure Folding & Function by Hydrogen Exchange’ to interested researchers and students at Forskningsparken.
Dr Mayne's visit was funded by the competitive Fulbright specialist program and internationalization support from UiO:Life Science. His special seminar was sponsored by the BioCat graduate school.