Thomas-Oates Mass Spectrometry Group

Our group is housed in the purpose built Dorothy Hodgkin building for synthetic and analytical chemistry at York.

Biological Mass Spectrometry

We are biological mass spectrometrists whose aim is to develop and then apply analytical methods and protocols for use largely in the post-genomic sciences. We combine mass spectrometry with a wide variety of other analytical techniques, including chemical modification, enzymatic treatments, and advanced separations strategies. Our main interest is in developing methodologies and analytical strategies that make it possible to obtain particular structure information from the biomolecules we are studying, in order to better understand their mechanism of action at the molecular level.

Our research is driven by our interest in studying specific systems. These include:

• ancient biomolecules from archaeological samples
• protein glycosylation and its defects
• environmental pollutants
• metabolites and proteins involved in disease

With the group's research emphasis on pursuing long-term, integrated studies of biological systems, multidisciplinary collaborations are of prime importance. We are very fortunate in having a range of ongoing projects with long-term and expert collaborators.