Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Quantification of Short-Chain Acyl CoAs
Category: Research Poster
Author(s): Olivia Perley
Presenter(s): Olivia Perley
Mentors(s): Claudia Boot
Acyl CoA’s such as Acetyl CoA are part of numerous biological pathways posing a necessity for the development of a robust assay to detect these molecules in plant samples. Liquid chromatography-Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique that is commonly used for detection and quantification of small molecules and has been previously used in methods for Acyl CoA esters. This project aims to fill the gap in LCMS assays for detection of these molecules in plant cells, as these are largely unresearched in comparison to mammalian cells. Analysis of these low abundance components in plant cells allows for greater understanding of the mechanisms that control various biological pathways. Obtained transgenic and wild type plant lines under-go extraction through partitioning in order to obtain material for the detection and quantification assay. Extracted material is then dissolved in a pH-suitable solvent and introduced to the LCMS system. Use of Acyl CoA standards to create a reference point followed by testing of wild type and transgenic leaves using a suitable LCMS method offers promise for assay development for detection of Acetyl CoA in plant seedlings, allowing for development of a more robust assay to detect these molecules in other plant organs. Development of a quantification assay for Acetyl CoA in plants offers broader implications about the use of LCMS in detection of other short chain Acyl CoA’s in transgenic plant cells.