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Proteomics Core Facility

Empowering research through mass spectrometry-based proteomics

Sample submission

Our services are primarily available to EMBL researchers. We also support external academic institutions. Services for industrial partners may be offered depending on our available capacity.

Please follow the described steps to submit your samples and successfully process your project with us.

1. Contact us early

To get the most out of your proteomics experiment, we strongly recommend reaching out to us as early as possible. Early contact allows us to support you in shaping the experimental design and ensuring optimal results.

We can assist with key aspects such as:

  • Experimental design
  • Determining the number of biological replicates
  • Selecting appropriate controls
  • Sample requirements (e.g., buffer conditions, sample volume)

To get started, please email us at pcf@embl.de.
Include the following information to help us assess your project and guide you effectively:

  • Please provide your full name, address and group leader affiliation.
  • Type of analysis (e.g., full proteome analysis, immunoprecipitations, proximity labelling, phosphoproteomics, protein identification from Coomassie-stained gels, secretome analysis).
  • Sample type (e.g., cell line, primary cells, tissue, organs, animals)
  • Availability of a FASTA database for your species:
    Databases can be found at: https://www.uniprot.org/proteomes
  • Number and annotation of samples (e.g., wild-type, mutant, domain-only, treatments, time course) and number of biological replicates (a minimum of 3 biological replicates is required for statistical analysis)

By sharing this information, we can ensure that we design the most effective experiment tailored to your needs. This will also allow us to provide you with a rough cost estimate.

2. Prepare your samples

Once we’ve discussed your project, you can begin preparing your samples.
For detailed instructions—such as general preparation guidelines, recommended sample amounts, compatible buffers, and workflow-specific tips—please refer to our FAQ section.

To prepare gels or gel bands to send for analysis, please have a look in our Protocols section for details.

3. Fill out the Service Request

We aim to keep paperwork to a minimum, but we do require a Service Request form for all samples. This form helps us understand your goals and expectations so we can design an experimental approach tailored to your research question.
Please provide as much detail as possible—the more information you share, the better we can support you.

For EMBL internal users, please register your project in PPMS with your EMBL account and fill out the request form online.

4. Send your samples

Please always inform us when you send your samples, so that we are aware and can store them appropriately upon arrival. If you send samples on (dry) ice, avoid shipping them over the weekend or regional/national holidays.

Please send your samples to the address on the right and always include a print of the Service Request form.

Important: Do not send any samples until you have contacted us and received confirmation.

Ship to

EMBL Heidelberg
Proteomics Core Facility
*Add the name your contact PCF member
Meyerhofstraße 1
69117 Heidelberg
Germany

Tel: +49 6221 387-8388
Email: pcf@embl.de

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