Xudong Yao

Mass Spectrometry and Proteomic Chemistry

Associate Professor (b. 1965) 2010-present

Assistant Professor 1994-2010
Scientist II, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, 2002-2004
Senior Scientist, GeneProt, 2002
Postdoctoral Associate, University of Maryland, 1999-2002
Ph.D., University of Maryland Baltimore County, 2000
M.S., Nanjing University, 1987
B.S., Nanjing University, 1984


Email : x.yao@uconn.edu

Yao Group Home Page

Research

We study Proteomic Chemistry to measure and understand the complex and dynamic proteome and, in particular, apply and develop small molecules for facilitating mass spectrometry of proteome samples.

Fragment Ion Mass Defect Labeling (FIMDL)

Iodine-containing fragment ions have shifted mass defects and can be used as reporters for distinct proteomic applications. The FIMDL method combines solution derivatization of proteomic peptide mixtures with gas-phase dissociation to deliberately produce the reporter ions in unoccupied mass spectral regions. The reporter ions are free from interference (Figure), allowing improved mass spectrometric detection of the corresponding peptides. Ubiquitously existing in every mass unit, the unoccupied spectral space provides the wonderland to develop versatile iodine-based chemicals for advanced proteome measurements.

Ultrathroughput Multiple Reaction Monitoring Mass Spectrometry (UMRM)

Focused quantitation of a selected set of target proteins is essential for effective mass spectrometric investigation of cellular signaling and pathways, as well as fast development of new protein biomarkers and personalized medicine. We have recently invented the novel UMRM technology for one-experiment quantitation of common protein targets in tens and hundreds of samples (Figure). This technology is being further developed and applied to investigate several basic and applied biological problems, including targeted quantitation of membrane proteins related to human diseases.

Recent Publications:

1. “Ultrathroughput Multiple Reaction Monitoring Mass Spectrometry,” Xudong Yao, Bekim Bajrami, Yu Shi; Analytical Chemistry, ASAP, 2010.

2. “Site-Preferential Dissociation of Peptides with Active Chemical Modification for Improving Fragment Ion Detection," Pamela A. C. Diego, Bekim Bajrami, Hui Jiang, Yu Shi, Jose Gascon, Xudong Yao; Analytical Chemsitry, 2010, 82, 23.

3. “Targeted Quantitation of Overexpressed and Endogenous Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Using Multiple Reaction Monitoring Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Oxygen Stable Isotope Dilution," Hui Jiang, Alexis A. Ramos, Xudong Yao; Analytical Chemsitry, 2010, 82, 336.

4. “Shifting Unoccupied Spectral Space in Mass Spectrum of Peptide Fragment Ions,” Bekim Bajrami, Yu Shi, Pascal Lapierre, Xudong Yao; Journal of American Society for Mass Spectrometry, 2009, 20, 2124.

5. “Passive and Active Fragment Ion Mass Defect Labeling: Distinct Proteomics Potential of Iodine-Based Reagents,” Yu Shi, Bekim Bajrami, Xudong Yao; Analytical Chemistry, 2009, 81, 6438.

6. “18O2-Labeling in quantitative proteomic strategies: a status report,” Catherine Fenselau, Xudong Yao; Journal of Proteome Research, 2009, 8, 2140.

7. “Averagine-Scaling Analysis of Fragment Ions with Increased Mass Defect in Peptide Mass Spectrometry,” Xudong Yao, Pamela A. C. Diego, Alexis A. Ramos, Yu Shi; Analytical Chemistry, 2008, 80, 7383.

8. “Cyclophosphoramidate Ion as Mass Defect Marker for Efficient Detection of Protein Serine Phosphorylation,” Yu Shi, Bekim Bajrami, Martha Morton, Xudong Yao; Analytical Chemistry, 2008, 80, 7614.

9. “Oxygen Isotopic Substitution of Peptidyl Phosphates for Modification-Specific Mass Spectrometry,” Yu Shi, Xudong Yao; Analytical Chemistry, 2007, 79, 8454.

10. “Tandem parallel fragmentation of peptides for mass spectrometry,” Alexis Ramos, Hua Yang, Lauren Rosen, Xudong Yao; Analytical Chemistry, 2006, 78, 6391.