Protein Sequencing and Epitope Mapping Analysis Grant

The Protein Sequencing and Epitope Mapping Analysis Grant by Rapid Novor provides academic scientists with in-kind access to advanced protein sequencing and HDX-MS services. This initiative aims to accelerate scientific discoveries by enabling researchers to explore complex biological systems and validate experimental results. Eligible applicants include postdoctoral researchers and graduate students at accredited institutions. The grant covers service costs for one protein sequencing or HDX-MS project, fostering impactful research in immunology, oncology, and structural biology.

NOTE: If you are not sure your protein will meet the sample requirements, please contact us before submitting your application.
Purpose
The purpose of this grant is to support academic scientists by providing in-kind access to Rapid Novor’s cutting-edge Protein Sequencing and Epitope Mapping services.
About Protein Sequencing
Protein sequencing with mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique used to determine the amino acid sequences of proteins without requiring prior genetic information. Protein sequencing is especially useful for determining sequences of antibodies, due to their high sequence variability and limited coverage in genomic databases. This grant applies to protein sequencing for either antibodies or non-antibody proteins. The principles are the same, but since the general structure of antibodies is known the process is more standardized and therefore the requirements are a little different.
About HDX-MS, Epitope Mapping
HDX-MS is a mass spectrometry-based technique used to examine protein-protein interactions, including antibody-antigen interactions, protein conformational changes, multi-protein complexes, and small molecule interactions with proteins. A common application of HDX-MS is epitope mapping: determining the amino acid residues that are part of the binding region.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
Scientific Merit: Is the project of sound design to adequately answer the proposed research question?Expertise: Are the research team skills and experience aligned with the project needs?Relevance: Does the project have clear relevance to the respective field of study?Impact: Does the project provide impact beyond academic research?Timeline: Are there clearly defined and realistic deliverables and timelines?Requirement: Does the proposed research require advanced sequencing resources?Research Results: Is there a plan to utilize/disseminate the research results?
Award Details
One award is available for protein sequencing and one for HDX-MS. These awards may be granted to the same individual or two different recipients. The grant covers the cost of service for experiments and analysis for one protein sequencing and/or one HDX-MS project.
Award recipients will be required to present their research findings using protein sequencing or HDX-MS in an online webinar hosted by Rapid Novor within one year of project completion.

Eligibility

Applicants must be academic scientists, postdoctoral researchers, or graduate students at accredited institutions. Projects must clearly demonstrate the need for protein sequencing or HDX-MS to address specific impactful research questions in fields such as immunology, oncology, structural biology, or a related area.Applicants may apply for a grant for protein sequencing, HDX-MS, or both. International applicants may apply so long as they fit the above criteria.Protein Sequencing Sample Requirements:mAb or non-antibody protein <20kDa100 micrograms>90% purityNo protein contaminants or conjugatesHDX-MS, Epitope Mapping Sample Requirements:Protein Size: up to 50 kDaNumber of disulfides: up to 3Number of N-linked Glycans = 0Kd range: > 100 nMKinetics (KD) curves dataSEC analysis for protein state (aggregation)Purity >90%, with gel image for sample purityIn solution assays to confirm no protein ppt