IRIC - Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer

Published on April 30, 2014

Éric Bonneil, Manager, IRIC Proteomics core facility
IRIC is acquiring a high-performance mass spectrometer for its drug discovery programs. Thanks to a generous donation from the Coutu Family Innovation Fund, IRIC acquired a Q ExactiveTM Plus Hybrid mass spectrometer from Thermo Fisher Scientific. This technology combines exceptional qualitative and quantitative performances unparalleled in the market today.

The sensitivity, high resolution and speed of operation of this unit will lead to significant advances in the understanding of cellular processes and signalling in cancer cells.  First, it will make it possible to describe in detail novel anomalies of cancer cells proteins, a successful approach for the identification of potential therapeutic targets against which new anti-cancer drugs could be developed. Second, it will significantly accelerate the discovery of proteins on the surface of cancer cells which function as markers for the detection and destruction of these cells by the immune system. Such  so-called “immunotherapeutic” approaches are at present among the most promising strategies in the fight against cancer. Finally, this device will allow the Institute to offer its graduate students and postdoctoral fellows a truly unique practical training in this new technology.

The new mass spectrometer is installed in the proteomics core facility of IRIC. Its operational maintenance will be carried out by the experienced team of investigators under the leadership of Pierre Thibault, Principal Investigator at IRIC and full professor with the Department of Chemistry at UdeM.
“We are thrilled to count on the support of the Marcelle and Jean Coutu Foundation. Their contribution to the procurement of this device will lead to more rapid and efficient processes in the discovery of drugs to treat cancer,” says Pierre Thibault.