Thermo Fisher Scientific's collaboration with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has led to a development in mapping the proteome of the organism responsible for the recent E.coli outbreak in Europe.
Using LTQ Orbitrap mass spectrometry technology, HPA researchers have identified the protein toxins expressed by the deadly strain.
Thermo Fisher and the HPA are collaborating in a study on the use of mass spectrometry to better understand the role of micro-organisms in causing illness and disease in humans.
Orbitrap technology specifically enabled scientists to identify and analyse the protein fingerprint of this new strain of E.coli using a proteomic method that is rapid and reliable.
Understanding the organism's ability to produce toxins and other proteins present in this specific strain may reduce the risk to human health and provide more effective treatment options.
This ability to identify toxic proteins and other proteins of significance in a disease process may also be applicable to a range of illnesses caused by micro-organisms.
The HPA was assisted in its effort by representatives from Thermo Fisher's Hemel Hempstead, UK facility.
