This significant national investment, supported by Biocenter Finland and the Research Council of Finland, aims to position Finland at the forefront of translational and personalized medicine, as well as structural biology.
These cutting-edge instruments will significantly enhance our capacity to analyze a wide array of biological samples—from single cells and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues to complex clinical specimens—enabling deeper, faster, and more precise proteomic profiling than ever before. The Orbitrap Astral systems are designed for high-throughput, high-resolution analysis, facilitating the identification and quantification of thousands of proteins in a single run.
"This upgrade is a transformative leap for our national proteomics infrastructure," said Professor Markku Varjosalo, Director of the Helsinki Proteomics Center. "It empowers us to delve deeper into the proteome with unprecedented speed and accuracy, accelerating discoveries in areas ranging from basic biology to clinical applications."
The Helsinki Proteomics Center is a key node in Biocenter Finland's Protein-Proteome Network, which provides nationally coordinated services in proteomics and structural biology. The new Orbitrap Astral instruments will enhance our capabilities in structural proteomics, including cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS), supporting the detailed characterization of protein structures and interactions.
Finland's unique biomedical ecosystem, characterized by comprehensive biobanks and extensive patient registries, offers unparalleled opportunities for translational research. The integration of these new instruments will facilitate the analysis of biobank samples, contributing to initiatives that combine genomic and health data to understand the genetic basis of diseases. This synergy between advanced proteomics and rich clinical data resources will drive the development of personalized medicine approaches tailored to the Finnish population.
The installation of the Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometers is scheduled for completion by the end of summer 2025, with the systems becoming fully operational shortly thereafter. This strategic enhancement underscores Finland's commitment to maintaining a leading role in life sciences research and its dedication to supporting the scientific community with top-tier analytical resources.
For more information, please contact:
Professor Markku Varjosalo
Scientific Director, Helsinki Proteomics Center
Email: markku.varjosalo@helsinki.fi
Phone: + 358 2941 59413
Dr. Salla Keskitalo
Director, Viikki Proteomics Unit
Email: salla.keskitalo@helsinki.fi
Phone: + 358 2941 559933