Alexander Behne

The MetaProteomeAnalyzer: a powerful open-source software suite for metaproteomics data analysis and interpretation.

The enormous challenges of mass spectrometry-based metaproteomics are primarily related to the analysis and interpretation of the acquired data. This includes reliable identification of mass spectra and the meaningful integration of taxonomic and functional meta-information from samples containing hundreds of unknown species. To ease these difficulties, we developed a dedicated software suite, the MetaProteomeAnalyzer, an intuitive open-source tool for metaproteomics data analysis and interpretation, which includes multiple search engines and the feature to decrease data redundancy by grouping protein hits to so-called meta-proteins. We also designed a graph database back-end for the MetaProteomeAnalyzer to allow seamless analysis of results. The functionality of the MetaProteomeAnalyzer is demonstrated using a sample of a microbial community taken from a biogas plant.

glyXalign: High‐throughput migration time alignment preprocessing of electrophoretic data retrieved via multiplexed capillary gel electrophoresis with laser‐induced fluorescence detection‐based glycoprofiling

Glycomics has become a rapidly emerging field and monitoring of protein glycosylation is needed to ensure quality and consistency during production processes of biologicals such as therapeutic antibodies or vaccines. Glycoanalysis via multiplexed CGE with LIF detection (xCGE‐LIF) represents a powerful technique featuring high resolution, high sensitivity as well as high‐throughput performance. However, sample data retrieved from this method exhibit challenges for downstream computational analysis due to intersample migration time shifts as well as stretching and compression of electropherograms. Here, we present glyXalign, a freely available and easy‐to‐use software package to automatically correct for distortions in xCGE‐LIF based glycan data. We demonstrate its ability to outperform conventional algorithms such as dynamic time warping and correlation optimized warping in terms of processing time and alignment accuracy for high‐resolution datasets. Built upon a set of rapid algorithms, the tool includes an intuitive graphical user interface and allows full control over all parameters. Additionally, it visualizes the alignment process and enables the user to readjust misaligned results. Software and documentation are available at http://www.glyxera.com.