Final Report Summary - MSLIFE (Integrating high performance mass spectrometry tools with application in life science) In the first period of this project an active and effective schedule of exchange of staff was initiated and performed between the European Laboratories, and the American Partner laboratories. A number of joint research projects through exchange of coworkers has been performed on the determination of protein structures using high Performance mass spectrometry methods (WP 1); identification of pathophysiological Protein structure modifications (WP 2); quantitative proteomics approaches and applications (WP 3); mass spectrometric identification of the assembly and topology of large protein complexes (WP 4); the characterization of protein conformation-dependent misfolding/aggregating using ion mobility mass spectrometry as a principal tool (WP 5); and applications to elucidate protein-biopolymer interactions and molecular recognition structures using new tools of bioaffinity-mass spectrometry (WP 6).After an initial joint start meeting in May 2012 at one of the American Partner laboratory, significant progress has been made through Joint exchanges in research collaborations (both bi- and tri-lateral); joint tutorials by experienced Researchers; joint meetings at research conferences, and exchanges at joint workshops.The principal goals of this Project were, (i), to establish new technologies of mass spectrometry in life science applications such as the identification of biomarkers for disease diagnostics; and (ii), the integration of mass spectrometry tools with key biochemical and biomedical Technologies. These goals have been met in most of the joint research work carried out in the first period of the Project (some delay, caused by unanticipated funding delay by one US Partner has been amended in the second Project phase). The results of the first period Phase have led to a number of joint presentations at National and International Conferences, and several Joint publications. The successfull completion of the Project has been reached with the goal (i), to integrate interdisciplinary applications of biopolymer mass spectrometry in life sciences, and (ii) to contribute to high-Level academic exchange and Training.These results were remarkable since in the second Project Phase some were impeded by (i), some reduced activity imposed by the retrirement of the coordinator; (ii), some health impairment by one of the principal investigators.
