A guide to establishing, implementing, and optimizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) committees

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) efforts are increasingly recognized as critical for the success of academic institutions. These efforts are facilitated mainly through the formation of dedicated DEIA committees. DEIA committees enhance professional development and create a more inclusive environment, which benefits all members of the institution. Although leadership and faculty membership have recognized the importance and necessity of DEIA, the roles of DEIA committees may be more ambiguous. Although leadership and faculty may seek to support DEIA at their institutions, they may not always fully understand the necessity of these committees or how to successfully create a committee, foster and promote its success, and sustain its impact. Thus, here, we offer a background rationale and guide for strategically setting up DEIA committees for success and impact within an academic institution with applicability to scientific societies.

Solvent Composition Can Have a Measurable Influence on the Ion Mobility-Derived Collision Cross Section of Small Molecules

Ion mobility (IM) is an important analytical technique for increasing identification coverage of metabolites in untargeted studies, especially when integrated into traditional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry workflows. While there has been extensive work surrounding best practices to obtain and standardize collision cross section (CCS) measurements necessary for comparing across different IM techniques and laboratories, there has been little investigation into experimental factors beyond the mobility separation region that could potentially influence CCS measurements. The first-principles derived CCS of 15 chemical standards were evaluated across 27 aqueous:organic solvent compositions using a high-precision drift tube instrument. A small but measurable dependency of the CCS on the solvent composition was observed, with the larger analytes from this study (m/z > 400) exhibiting a characteristic increase in CCS at the intermediate (40-60%) solvent compositions. Parallels to the behavior of solvent viscosity and protonation site tautomers (protomers) were noted, although the origin of these solvent-dependent CCS trends is as yet unclear. Taken together, these findings document a solvent dependency on CCS, which, while minor (<0.5%), identifies an important need for reporting the solvent system when utilizing CCS in comparative ion mobility studies.

A Prospective Cohort Protocol for the Remnant Investigation in Sepsis Study

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is a common and deadly syndrome, accounting for more than 11 million deaths annually. To mature a deeper understanding of the host and pathogen mechanisms contributing to poor outcomes in sepsis, and thereby possibly inform new therapeutic targets, sophisticated, and expensive biorepositories are typically required. We propose that remnant biospecimens are an alternative for mechanistic sepsis research, although the viability and scientific value of such remnants are unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Remnant Biospecimen Investigation in Sepsis study is a prospective cohort study of 225 adults (age ≥ 18 yr) presenting to the emergency department with community sepsis, defined as sepsis-3 criteria within 6 hours of arrival. The primary objective was to determine the scientific value of a remnant biospecimen repository in sepsis linked to clinical phenotyping in the electronic health record. We will study candidate multiomic readouts of sepsis biology, governed by a conceptual model, and determine the precision, accuracy, integrity, and comparability of proteins, small molecules, lipids, and pathogen sequencing in remnant biospecimens compared with paired biospecimens obtained according to research protocols. Paired biospecimens will include plasma from sodium-heparin, EDTA, sodium fluoride, and citrate tubes.

CONCLUSIONS

The study has received approval from the University of Pittsburgh Human Research Protection Office (Study 21120013). Recruitment began on October 25, 2022, with planned release of primary results anticipated in 2024. Results will be made available to the public, the funders, critical care societies, laboratory medicine scientists, and other researchers.

PATHWAYS ASSOCIATED WITH POSITIVE SEPSIS SURVIVAL OUTCOMES IN AFRICAN AMERICAN/BLACK AND NON-HISPANIC WHITE PATIENTS WITH URINARY TRACT INFECTION

ABSTRACT

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common cause of sepsis worldwide. Annually, more than 60,000 US deaths can be attributed to sepsis secondary to UTIs, and African American/Black adults have higher incidence and case-fatality rates than non-Hispanic White adults. Molecular-level factors that may help partially explain differences in sepsis survival outcomes between African American/Black and Non-Hispanic White adults are not clear. In this study, patient samples (N = 166) from the Protocolized Care for Early Septic Shock cohort were analyzed using discovery-based plasma proteomics. Patients had sepsis secondary to UTIs and were stratified according to self-identified racial background and sepsis survival outcomes. Proteomics results suggest patient heterogeneity across mechanisms driving survival from sepsis secondary to UTIs. Differentially expressed proteins (n = 122, false discovery rate-adjusted P < 0.05) in Non-Hispanic White sepsis survivors were primarily in immune system pathways, while differentially expressed proteins (n = 47, false discovery rate-adjusted P < 0.05) in African American/Black patients were mostly in metabolic pathways. However, in all patients, regardless of racial background, there were 16 differentially expressed proteins in sepsis survivors involved in translation initiation and shutdown pathways. These pathways are potential targets for prognostic intervention. Overall, this study provides information about molecular factors that may help explain disparities in sepsis survival outcomes among African American/Black and Non-Hispanic White patients with primary UTIs.

Enhanced Multiplexing Technology for Proteomics

The identification of thousands of proteins and their relative levels of expression has furthered understanding of biological processes and disease and stimulated new systems biology hypotheses. Quantitative proteomics workflows that rely on analytical assays such as mass spectrometry have facilitated high-throughput measurements of proteins partially due to multiplexing. Multiplexing allows proteome differences across multiple samples to be measured simultaneously, resulting in more accurate quantitation, increased statistical robustness, reduced analysis times, and lower experimental costs. The number of samples that can be multiplexed has evolved from as few as two to more than 50, with studies involving more than 10 samples being denoted as enhanced multiplexing or hyperplexing. In this review, we give an update on emerging multiplexing proteomics techniques and highlight advantages and limitations for enhanced multiplexing strategies.

Juneteenth in STEMM and the barriers to equitable science

We are 52 Black scientists. Here, we establish the context of Juneteenth in STEMM and discuss the barriers Black scientists face, the struggles they endure, and the lack of recognition they receive. We review racism's history in science and provide institutional-level solutions to reduce the burdens on Black scientists.

Establishing Quality Control Procedures for Large-Scale Plasma Proteomics Analyses

Proteomics research has been transformed due to high-throughput liquid chromatography (LC-MS/MS) tandem mass spectrometry instruments combined with highly sophisticated automated sample preparation and multiplexing workflows. However, scaling proteomics experiments to large sample cohorts (hundreds to thousands) requires thoughtful quality control (QC) protocols. Robust QC protocols can help with reproducibility, quantitative accuracy, and provide opportunities for more decisive troubleshooting. Our laboratory conducted a plasma proteomics study of a cohort of N = 335 patient samples using tandem mass tag (TMT_pro) 16-plex batches. Over the course of a 10-month data acquisition period for this cohort we collected 271 pooled QC LC-MS/MS result files obtained from MS/MS analysis of a patient-derived pooled plasma sample, representative of the entire cohort population. This sample was tagged with TMT_zero or TMT_pro reagents and used to inform the daily performance of the LC-MS/MS instruments and to allow within and across sample batch normalization. Analytical variability of a number of instrumental and data analysis metrics including protein and peptide identifications, peptide spectral matches (PSMs), number of obtained MS/MS spectra, average peptide abundance, percent of peptides with a Δ m/z between ±0.003 Da, percent of MS/MS spectra obtained at the maximum injection time, and the retention time of selected tracking peptides were evaluated to help inform the design of a robust LC-MS/MS QC workflow for use in future cohort studies. This study also led to general tips for using selected metrics to inform real-time troubleshooting of LC-MS/MS performance issues with daily QC checks.

Mechanisms by which Cultural-Centric Narrative Influences Interest in ADRD Research Among African American Adults

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Insufficient ethnoracial diversity is a pervasive challenge in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research. The Recruitment Innovations for Diversity Enhancement (RIDE) is grounded in the premise that culturally informed narratives of research participation can inspire individuals from a given culture-sharing group to consider research enrollment. This study examines factors associated with interest in AD research among Black or African American adults following exposure to RIDE narrative campaign materials.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A community-based sample of 500 Black or African American adults viewed RIDE narrative materials online and completed a survey of perceptions about research, AD risk, and likelihood of enrolling in AD research. Logistic regression examined predictors and mediators of self-reported likelihood of participating in AD research.

RESULTS

Most (72%) participants reported interest in being contacted for AD research opportunities. After controlling for key variables, prior experience with clinical research and trust in medical researchers emerged as independent predictors of likelihood of enrolling in AD research. Perceived burden of AD research partially mediated the effects of prior research experience and trust on likelihood of enrollment. Perceived benefits of AD research also played a mediating role, accounting for over one third of the effect of trust on likelihood of enrollment.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS

This study advances the field's understanding of how narrative may function to enhance diversity in AD research. Findings suggest that participant narratives should address experiences regarding the burdens and potential benefits of AD research participation as these factors may influence decisions leading to subsequent research enrollment.

Proteomic changes associated with racial background and sepsis survival outcomes

Intra-abdominal infection is a common cause of sepsis, and intra-abdominal sepsis leads to ∼156 000 U.S. deaths annually. African American/Black adults have higher incidence and mortality rates from sepsis compared to Non-Hispanic White adults. A limited number of studies have traced survival outcomes to molecular changes; however, these studies primarily only included Non-Hispanic White adults. Our goal is to better understand molecular changes that may contribute to differences in sepsis survival in African American/Black and Non-Hispanic White adults with primary intra-abdominal infection. We employed discovery-based plasma proteomics of patient samples from the Protocolized Care for Early Septic Shock (ProCESS) cohort (N = 107). We identified 49 proteins involved in the acute phase response and complement system whose expression levels are associated with both survival outcome and racial background. Additionally, 82 proteins differentially-expressed in survivors were specific to African American/Black or Non-Hispanic White patients, suggesting molecular-level heterogeneity in sepsis patients in key inflammatory pathways. A smaller, robust set of 19 proteins were in common in African American/Black and Non-Hispanic White survivors and may represent potential universal molecular changes in sepsis. Overall, this study identifies molecular factors that may contribute to differences in survival outcomes in African American/Black patients that are not fully explained by socioeconomic or other non-biological factors.

Advancements in automation for plasma proteomics sample preparation

Automation is necessary to increase sample processing throughput for large-scale clinical analyses. Replacement of manual pipettes with robotic liquid handler systems is especially helpful in processing blood-based samples, such as plasma and serum. These samples are very heterogenous, and protein expression can vary greatly from sample-to-sample, even for healthy controls. Detection of true biological changes requires that variation from sample preparation steps and downstream analytical detection methods, such as mass spectrometry, remains low. In this mini-review, we discuss plasma proteomics protocols and the benefits of automation towards enabling detection of low abundant proteins and providing low sample error and increased sample throughput. This discussion includes considerations for automation of major sample depletion and/or enrichment strategies for plasma toward mass spectrometry detection.

Targeted Lipidomics To Measure Phospholipids and Sphingomyelins in Plasma: A Pilot Study To Understand the Impact of Race/Ethnicity in Alzheimer's Disease

The number of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing rapidly every year. One aspect of AD that is often overlooked is the disproportionate incidence of AD among African American/Black populations. With the recent development of novel assays for lipidomics analysis in recent times, there has been a drastic increase in the number of studies focusing on changes of lipids in AD. However, very few of these studies have focused on or even included samples from African American/Black individuals samples. In this study, we aimed to determine if the lipidome in AD is universal across non-Hispanic White and African American/Black individuals. To accomplish this, a targeted mass spectrometry lipidomics analysis was performed on plasma samples (N = 113) obtained from cognitively normal (CN, N = 54) and AD (N = 59) individuals from African American/Black (N = 56) and non-Hispanic White (N = 57) backgrounds. Five lipids (PS 18:0_18:0, PS 18:0_20:0, PC 16:0_22:6, PC 18:0_22:6, and PS 18:1_22:6) were altered between AD and CN sample groups (p value < 0.05). Upon racial stratification, there were notable differences in lipids that were unique to African American/Black or non-Hispanic White individuals. PS 20:0_20:1 was reduced in AD in samples from non-Hispanic White but not African American/Black adults. We also tested whether race/ethnicity significantly modified the association between lipids and AD status by including a race × diagnosis interaction term in a linear regression model. PS 20:0_20:1 showed a significant interaction (p = 0.004). The discovery of lipid changes in AD in this study suggests that identifying relevant lipid biomarkers for diagnosis will require diversity in sample cohorts.

Exposing the Brain Proteomic Signatures of Alzheimer's Disease in Diverse Racial Groups: Leveraging Multiple Data Sets and Machine Learning

Recent studies have highlighted that the proteome can be used to identify potential biomarker candidates for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in diverse cohorts. Furthermore, the racial and ethnic background of participants is an important factor to consider to ensure the effectiveness of potential biomarkers for representative populations. A promising approach to survey potential biomarker candidates for diagnosing AD in diverse cohorts is the application of machine learning to proteomics data sets. Herein, we leveraged six existing bottom-up proteomics data sets, which included non-Hispanic White, African American/Black, and Hispanic participants, to study protein changes in AD and cognitively unimpaired participants. Machine learning models were applied to these data sets and resulted in the identification of amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) and heat shock protein β-1 (HSPB1) as two proteins that have high ability to distinguish AD; however, each protein's performance varied based upon the racial and ethnic background of the participants. HSPB1 particularly was helpful for generating high areas under the curve (AUCs) for African American/Black participants. Overall, HSPB1 improved the performance of the machine learning models when combined with APP and/or participant age and is a potential candidate that should be further explored in AD biomarker discovery efforts.

Benchmarking the proteomic profile of animal models of mesial temporal epilepsy

OBJECTIVES

We compared the proteomic signatures of the hippocampal lesion induced in three different animal models of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE+HS): the systemic pilocarpine model (PILO), the intracerebroventricular kainic acid model (KA), and the perforant pathway stimulation model (PPS).

METHODS

We used shotgun proteomics to analyze the proteomes and find enriched biological pathways of the dorsal and ventral dentate gyrus (DG) isolated from the hippocampi of the three animal models. We also compared the proteomes obtained in the animal models to that from the DG of patients with pharmacoresistant MTLE+HS.

RESULTS

We found that each animal model presents specific profiles of proteomic changes. The PILO model showed responses predominantly related to neuronal excitatory imbalance. The KA model revealed alterations mainly in synaptic activity. The PPS model displayed abnormalities in metabolism and oxidative stress. We also identified common biological pathways enriched in all three models, such as inflammation and immune response, which were also observed in tissue from patients. However, none of the models could recapitulate the profile of molecular changes observed in tissue from patients.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results indicate that each model has its own set of biological responses leading to epilepsy. Thus, it seems that only using a combination of the three models may one replicate more closely the mechanisms underlying MTLE+HS as seen in patients.

Automation of On-Resin Enrichment of S-Nitrosylated Proteins for Oxidized Cysteine-Selective cPILOT

S-Nitrosylation (SNO) is a cysteine post-translational modification that increases with normal aging and is present in Alzheimer's disease and other aging-related illnesses. Detection of SNO-modified proteins can be challenging; however, we previously developed a robust quantitative proteomics approach termed "Oxidized Cysteine-Selective combined precursor isobaric labeling and isobaric tagging (OxcyscPILOT)" that allows for detection of endogenous SNO-modified proteins. OxcyscPILOT involves enrichment of SNO-modified proteins using a thiol-based resin. This enrichment is performed manually, and wash steps with the resin require numerous stages and buffer reagents. The goal of this study is to transfer the manual protocol to an automated liquid handler system in order to reduce wash steps, increase sample throughput, and minimize experimental error. In order to accomplish this, we evaluated the Biomek i7 liquid handler automated workstation and a Positive Pressure ALP (PPA) apparatus to conduct automated on-resin enrichment. Our findings provide starting pressure conditions for the use of PPA in an automated OxcyscPILOT proteomics workflow that could be transferred to other robotic liquid handling systems.

Automated Sample Multiplexing by using Combined Precursor Isotopic Labeling and Isobaric Tagging (cPILOT)

We have introduced a high throughput quantitative proteomics workflow, combined precursor isotopic labeling and isobaric tagging (cPILOT) capable of multiplexing up to 22 or 24 samples with tandem mass tags or isobaric N,N-dimethyl leucine isobaric tags, respectively, in a single experiment. This enhanced sample multiplexing considerably reduces mass spectrometry acquisition times and increases the utility of the expensive commercial isobaric reagents. However, the manual process of sample handling and pipetting steps in the strategy can be labor intensive, time consuming, and introduce sample loss and quantitative error. These limitations can be overcome through the incorporation of automation. Here we transferred the manual cPILOT protocol to an automated liquid handling device that can prepare large sample numbers (i.e., 96 samples) in parallel. Overall, automation increases feasibility and reproducibility of cPILOT and allows for broad usage by other researchers with comparable automation devices.

Inclusion of African American/Black adults in a pilot brain proteomics study of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) disproportionately affects certain racial and ethnic subgroups, such as African American/Black and Hispanic adults. Genetic, comorbid, and socioeconomic risk factors contribute to this disparity; however, the molecular contributions have been largely unexplored. Herein, we conducted a pilot proteomics study of postmortem brains from African American/Black and non-Hispanic White adults neuropathologically diagnosed with AD compared to closely-matched cognitively normal individuals. Examination of hippocampus, inferior parietal lobule, and globus pallidus regions using quantitative proteomics resulted in 568 differentially-expressed proteins in AD. These proteins were consistent with the literature and included glial fibrillary acidic protein, peroxiredoxin-1, and annexin A5. In addition, 351 novel proteins in AD were identified, which could partially be due to cohort diversity. From linear regression analyses, we identified 185 proteins with significant race x diagnosis interactions across various brain regions. These differences generally were reflective of differential expression of proteins in AD that occurred in only a single racial/ethnic group. Overall, this pilot study suggests that disease understanding can be furthered by including diversity in racial/ethnic groups; however, this must be done on a larger scale.

Evaluating a targeted multiple reaction monitoring approach to global untargeted lipidomic analyses of human plasma

RATIONALE

The Lipidyzer platform was recently updated on a SCIEX QTRAP 6500+ mass spectrometer and offers a targeted lipidomics assay including 1150 different lipids. We evaluated this targeted approach using human plasma samples and compared the results against a global untargeted lipidomics method using a high-resolution Q Exactive HF Orbitrap mass spectrometer.

METHODS

Lipids from human plasma samples (N = 5) were extracted using a modified Bligh-Dyer approach. A global untargeted analysis was performed using a Thermo Orbitrap Q Exactive HF mass spectrometer, followed by data analysis using Progenesis QI software. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-based targeted analysis was performed using a QTRAP 6500+ mass spectrometer, followed by data analysis using SCIEX OS software. The samples were injected on three separate days to assess reproducibility for both approaches.

RESULTS

Overall, 465 lipids were identified from 11 lipid classes in both approaches, of which 159 were similar between the methods, 168 lipids were unique to the MRM approach, and 138 lipids were unique to the untargeted approach. Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine species were the most commonly identified using the untargeted approach, while triacylglycerol species were the most commonly identified using the targeted MRM approach. The targeted MRM approach had more consistent relative abundances across the three days than the untargeted approach. Overall, the coefficient of variation for inter-day comparisons across all lipid classes was ∼ 23% for the untargeted approach and ∼ 9% for the targeted MRM approach.

CONCLUSIONS

The targeted MRM approach identified similar numbers of lipids to a conventional untargeted approach, but had better representation of 11 lipid classes commonly identified by both approaches. Based on the separation methods employed, the conventional untargeted approach could better detect phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin lipid classes. The targeted MRM approach had lower inter-day variability than the untargeted approach when tested using a small group of plasma samples. These studies highlight the advantages in using targeted MRM approaches for human plasma lipidomics analysis.

A Diverse View of Science to Catalyse Change

Valuing diversity leads to scientific excellence, the progress of science and most importantly, it is simply the right thing to do. We can value diversity not only in words, but also in actions.

Framework for creating storytelling materials to promote African American/Black adult enrollment in research on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders

INTRODUCTION

African American/Black adults are severely underrepresented in basic, clinical, and behavioral research studies in Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD). Innovative, evidence-based, and culturally salient strategies can maximize the recruitment of African American/Black adults into ADRD research.

METHODS

We conducted and analyzed semi-structured interviews to capture the research participation stories of African American/Black participants and study partners from the University of Pittsburgh's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. The themes and messaging principles generated through this process informed the development of video- and text-based materials that were evaluated for community member acceptance using focus groups.

RESULTS

Focus group individuals (N = 36) generally favorably rated the video and text materials, characterizing them as "interesting," "realistic," and "convincing."

DISCUSSION

Capturing the narratives of African American/Black research participants is a critical component to developing culturally relevant materials for broader dissemination and is essential to advancing beyond information-only recruitment approaches, which tend to rely disproportionately on negative messages.

Dataset of quantitative proteomic analysis to understand aging processes in rabbit liver

Here, we present a proteomics dataset of liver proteins to understand aging in rabbits, which complements the publication “Quantitative proteomics to study aging in rabbit liver” [1]. This dataset was generated to understand the molecular basis and metabolic changes of aging processes in liver, which is the main organ involved in metabolism, detoxification, transport, and signaling. Proteins from young, middle, and old age rabbits were extracted and digested. Generated peptides were labeled with light or heavy dimethyl groups at their N-termini, while lysine amines were labeled with TMT10-plex using a cPILOT workflow [2]. Labeled peptides were fractionated by basic pH reverse phase chromatography and analyzed with online reverse phase LC coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS and MS³). The RAW files were generated using a Fusion Lumos Orbitrap mass spectrometer (Thermo Scientific) and processed with Proteome Discoverer (PD) version 2.2 to generate a list of identified and quantified proteins. Data was searched against the Rabbit UniProtKB redundant database. A total of 3,867 proteins were identified corresponding to 2,586 protein groups and 22,229 peptides. Dynamic levels of age-related proteins associated with fat metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, and protein degradation were detected. The mass spectrometry proteomics data (RAW files) and processed Proteome Discoverer 2.2 files (MSF files) have been deposited to the Proteomics Identification Database (PRIDE) ProteomeXchange Consortium and can be accessed with the dataset identifier PDX013220 (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/pride/archive/projects/PXD013220).

In Vivo Fast Photochemical Oxidation of Proteins Using Enhanced Multiplexing Proteomics

In vivo fast photochemical oxidation of proteins (IV-FPOP) is a hydroxyl radical protein footprinting method used to study protein structure and protein–protein interactions. Oxidatively modified proteins by IV-FPOP are analyzed by mass spectrometry (MS), and the extent of oxidation is quantified by label-free MS. Peptide oxidation changes yield useful information about protein structure, due to changes in solvent accessibility. However, the sample size necessary for animal studies requires increased sample preparation and instrument time. Here, we report the combined application of IV-FPOP and the enhanced multiplexing strategy combined precursor isotopic labeling and isobaric tagging (cPILOT) for higher-throughput analysis of oxidative modifications in C. elegans. Key differences in the performance of label-free MS and cPILOT were identified. The addition of oxygen (+16) was the most abundant modification identified among all known possible FPOP modifications. This study presents IV-FPOP coupled with enhanced multiplexing strategies such as cPILOT to increase throughput of studies seeking to examine oxidative protein modifications.

Evaluating Combined Precursor Isotopic Labeling and Isobaric Tagging Performance on Orbitraps To Study the Peripheral Proteome of Alzheimer's Disease

Combined precursor isotopic labeling and isobaric tagging (cPILOT) is an enhanced multiplexing strategy currently capable of analyzing up to 24 samples simultaneously. This capability is especially helpful when studying multiple tissues and biological replicates in models of disease, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, cPILOT was used to study proteomes from heart, liver, and brain tissues in a late-stage amyloid precursor protein/presenilin-1 (APP/PS-1) human transgenic double-knock-in mouse model of AD. The original global cPILOT assay developed on an Orbitrap Velos instrument was transitioned to an Orbitrap Fusion Lumos instrument. The advantages of faster scan rates, lower limits of detection, and synchronous precursor selection on the Fusion Lumos afford greater numbers of isobarically tagged peptides to be quantified in comparison to the Orbitrap Velos. Parameters such as LC gradient, m/z isolation window, dynamic exclusion, targeted mass analyses, and synchronous precursor scan were optimized leading to >600 000 PSMs, corresponding to 6074 proteins. Overall, these studies inform of system-wide changes in brain, heart, and liver proteins from a mouse model of AD.

A diverse view of science to catalyse change

Valuing diversity leads to scientific excellence, the progress of science and, most importantly, it is simply the right thing to do. We must value diversity not only in words, but also in actions. This article is co-published in the following journals: Nature Chemistry (<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-020-0529-x">https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-020-0529-x</a>), Chemical Science (<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC90150D">https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC90150D</a>), Journal of the American Chemical Society (<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.0c07877">https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.0c07877</a>), Angewandte Chemie International Edition (<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://doi.org/%2010.1002/anie.202009834">https://doi.org/ 10.1002/anie.202009834</a>), Canadian Journal of Chemistry (<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://doi.org/10.1139/cjc-2020-0323">https://doi.org/10.1139/cjc-2020-0323</a>), and Croatica Chemica Acta (<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://doi.org/10.5562/diversity2020">https://doi.org/10.5562/diversity2020</a>).