The core duty of the National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN) is research, with cancer as one of its first lines of research. Cancer is a national public health problem considered to be one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in Mexico.

Proteomics represents a new way to approach cancer problems through massive protein analysis, leading to a better understanding of their in the health-disease process. It is therefore essential to promote the development of this discipline.

INMEGEN  created the Medical Proteomics Unit, unique in its type in Latin America, to conduct studies focused on tumors with the highest incidence in our population (bronchogenic carcinoma, breast cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer) and gain knowledge about chronic degenerative diseases such as diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and so forth.

The Unit has been equipped with state-of-the-art technology to conduct semi-automated analysis of cancer proteomic biomarkers. This will allow us to conduct a thorough search for possible diagnostic and therapeutic targets for the treatment of these tumors.

The Unit equipment includes the following:

Ettan IPGphor 3 System for isoelectrofocus

This is a comprehensive system that performs protein isoelectrofocusing as part of the first dimension of the two dimensional (2-D) analysis. Some of its features include:

- Simultaneous runs of  as many as 12 isoelectrofocus strips. Its cup system significantly increases the amount of proteins that may be loaded into one strip.

- Specific design to run light-sensitive assays such as the fluorochrome-labelled protein assay.

Ettan DALTwelve Second Dimension System

This is a large-capacity electrophoresis unit with the largest preloaded gels available in the market (26 x 20 cm)

- It is capable of  running as many as 12 gels simultaneously.

Ettan DIGE Imager

This system captures images of gels stained with Cy2, Cy3, Cy5, Deep Purple®, SYPRO®, Ruby and Pro-Q Diamond, and fluorescent Western Blot images obtained with the new ECL Plex® system.

- It contains the DeCYder® 2-D analytical program.

Ettan Spot Handling Workstation

This is a robotics system for fully automated protein spot management in 2-D electrophoresis gels

- Automatic process of as many as 1152 samples per run

- Pre-programmed protein digestion protocols, accurate temperature controls at every step, and a fast drying feature

- Automated set-up for MALDI analysis. Accurate mixing and dripping of digested proteins on the MALDI-To F plate.

- Can be adapted to the work flow of the DeCyder^TM 2-D Differential Analysis program.

LTQ Orbitrap mass spectrometry hybrid system

This is the latest generation mass spectrometer that allows small molecules to be detected. It may be applied to the production of new drugs and to proteomics. 

- It detects femtomoles

- It has the highest ion trapping efficiency

- It has a large ionic capacity

For these reasons, the Medical Proteomics Unit has positioned INMEGEN at the forefront of proteomic research in Latin America.