Shared Resources and Core Facilities

Systems Mass Spectrometry

The Systems Mass Spectrometry Shared Resource (SMSSR) partners with investigators to advance cancer research through leading-edge proteomics and metabolomics technologies. These complementary approaches enable a deeper understanding of biological systems, supporting discovery in cancer biology, progression and therapy response.

The SMSSR provides comprehensive, collaborative support across the full research lifecycle, from experimental design and sample preparation to data analysis, interpretation and publication. The resource specializes in generating and integrating large-scale datasets to enable a systems-level understanding of cancer. The SMSSR team collaborates closely with cancer center members and other researchers at every stage, including grant development, manuscript preparation and data sharing.

The SMSSR has 4 aims:

Provide proteomics expertise to support the design, execution and interpretation of cancer research projects.
Provide metabolomics expertise to enable comprehensive characterization of metabolic processes in cancer systems.
Deliver integrated systems mass spectrometry capabilities, enabling quantitative analysis and interpretation of large-scale, multi-omics datasets.
Educate cancer center trainees and investigators in experimental design, data acquisition and the application of proteomics and metabolomics in cancer research.

The team consistently takes on complex projects, approaches unexpected issues with persistence and invests the time needed to troubleshoot and develop effective solutions. As a result, the work we produce together is of exceptional quality - every paper I have published with this shared resource has been accepted by high-impact journals. –Sufi Thomas, PhD, cancer center researcher

Contact us

Michael Washburn, PhD, Scientific Director, Systems Mass Spectrometry Shared Resource

mwashburn4@kumc.edu

Michaella Rekowski, PhD, Director, Systems Mass Spectrometry Shared Resource

mrekowski@kumc.edu

Services and equipment

High-resolution proteomics and post-translational modification analysis.
Enhanced sensitivity for complex proteomic workflows and protein characterization.
Protein identification, quantification, and cross-linking analysis.
Protein and peptide fractionation to improve analytical depth.
High-throughput, sensitive proteomic analysis.
Untargeted metabolomics with advanced spectral libraries.
Large-scale proteomics and metabolomics data analysis.
Automated tissue processing and sample preparation.

Request our services

Engage the Systems Mass Spectrometry Shared Resource on your project. Email mrekowski@kumc.edu your service request.

Research highlight

DCLK1's role in head and neck cancer growth

Working with cancer center members, the SMSSR team applied integrated quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics to study head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. By comparing control cells to those with DCLK1 knockdown, the study identified critical signaling pathways driving tumor invasion. These findings led to follow-up investigations revealing DCLK1’s role in how aggressively the cancer cells invade and spread, demonstrating how multi-omic mass spectrometry approaches can uncover actionable mechanisms in cancer biology. The results were published in Molecular Cancer.

Cite the cancer center support grant

This resource is funded by The University of Kansas Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) awarded by the National Cancer Institute (P30 CA168524). Publications that have utilized facility resources, services or scientific data generated by the resource should acknowledge the resource and cite the NCI CCSG grant.

Research Programs

Multidisciplinary programs focusing on different areas of cancer research.

Patient Research Advocacy

Learn how to engage a patient resource advocate.

Beyond the Bench

Highlights of some of the cancer center's most innovative research efforts.

Interested in becoming a cancer center member?

To apply, click here. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Contact Lisa Harlan-Williams at lharlan-williams@kumc.edu for more information regarding membership.