WALTHAM, Mass., Oct. 26 -- Mass spectrometry-based technologies for protein biomarker discovery and development will be the focus of the Biomarker Research Initiatives in Mass Spectrometry (BRIMS) Center, a new initiative launched today by Thermo Electron Corp. in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital. Massachusetts General Hospital will provide basic science and clinical expertise in this effort to identify biomarkers for multiple aspects of cardiovascular disease. Thermo Electron will provide personnel with scientific expertise in biological mass spectrometry, protein techniques and informatics; mass spectrometers and other laboratory instrumentation, software and services; and a research facility in Cambridge. "One of the most exciting areas of proteomic research is the identification and validation of disease biomarkers which can be used as measurements within clinical studies and for the purpose of predictive diagnosis," said Marc N. Casper, president of Thermo's Life and Laboratory Sciences segment. Proteomics is the identification of proteins in the body and the determination of their role in physiological and pathophysiological functions. "The study of proteomics is considered by both scientists and physicians to be key for the characterization of human diseases and disease states, and mass spectrometry technology plays a crucial role in this disease research," Casper said. In addition to conducting research and system development, the new center will host symposia and forums for the biomarker research community in the new facility, which includes both laboratory space and conference facilities. A formal open house will be held later in the year. Preliminary data from this new collaboration will be presented during the Human Proteome Organization (HUPO) Annual World Congress, being held this week in Beijing. The biomarker research and discovery process at the BRIMS Center will include several different high-performance mass spectrometry platforms from Thermo Electron, including the Finnigan LTQ FT mass spectrometer, the Finnigan LTQ linear ion trap, and the Finnigan TSQ Quantum triple stage quadrupole. For more information, visit: www.thermo.com