Abstract: Data acquisition and cataloging are used to classify polypeptides into a reference index or database. The database can be used to identify previously unidentified samples. New polypeptides are characterized and added to the database.

Abstract: An automated, computer controlled assembly is provided for continuously processing a large number of electrophoresis gels. The assembly includes a loading assembly for loading a gel onto a carrier, a gel staining assembly and a scanning and cutting assembly. The staining assembly and the scanning and cutting assembly each include a robotic arm that is able to capture a gel and transfer the gel to selected work stations and can transfer the gel between the respective robotic arms.

Abstract: Protein markers of toxicity and efficacy for antilipemic drugs are determined. Methods and reagents are disclosed for determining whether a patient receiving an antilipemic drug, especially a statin or HMGCoA reductase inhibiting drug, is experiencing drug efficacy and/or toxicity. Individual susceptibility is also determined prior to treatment. Also, drug discovery of similar acting candidates and their likelihood of being toxic or effective is determined by analysis of all proteins in a sample simultaneously by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for simultaneously measuring the concentration of numerous proteins in a sample are described. The technique uses many antibody display phages that contain corresponding specific nucleic acid sequence tags. Binding between various proteins and antibodies is determined by simultaneous detection of the specific sequence tags using a microarray. This method is applicable even when the concentrations of different proteins differ by orders of magnitude as the nucleic acid sequence tags may be amplified.

Abstract: Data acquisition and cataloging are used to classify polypeptides into a reference index or database. The database can be used to identify previously unidentified samples. New polypeptides are characterized and added to the database.

Abstract: A mass spectrometry apparatus uses image processing of output signals of a camera in a mass spectrometer to provide feedback for directing the laser. The present invention provides for the determination of where samples have actually been deposited on a plate, and for the selection of different points for each sample, based on its structure, at which to aim a laser, during the cycle period of the mass spectrometer. Such feedback information increases the likelihood that the laser impinges samples and provides useful data.