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Research Overview and Highlights
Web pages on research projects by the Institute's 70 members are organized under the Research Groups of the eight Faculty Fellows (menu at right). This page provides quick links to the groups' pages and highlighted projects, organized by subject. Proteomics The research groups of Profs. Karger and Hancock are internationally recognized for their contributions to proteomic analysis; the new professors Engen and Zhou complement this expertise with new methods of targeted protein analysis using HX-exchange and biochemical assays. Work in varied collaborations has been fruitful in optimizing all steps of the proteomic workflow. including significant advances in the software for analyzing LC-MS data sets. In the key area of LC-MS analysis, the use of ultra-narrow bore monolithic capillary columns and porous-layer open tubular (PLOT) columns with nanospray ESI has dramatically inproved sensitivity and resolution. Dr. Hancock's Multiple Lectin Affinity Chromatography can select glycoproteins, a highly promising class of serum proteins for biomarker discovery. Biomarkers for cervical cancer have been discovered in collaboration with Cytyc Corp; collaborations are active in many other cancers. Extended Range Proteomic Analysis (ERPA) takes more full advantage of the capabilities of the new hybrid FTMS-linear ion trap mass spectrometers in comprehensive characterization of a targeted protein. Comprehensive protein analysis has revealed significant differences between bona-fide and generic protein therapeutics Metabolomics The NanoSplitter developed in Paul Vouros' group provides the advantages of nanoelectrospray mass spectrometry with LC methods developed on traditional 4 mm columns. 100-improvement in S/N while permitting 99% of the eluant to be directed to fraction collection or other methods of detection, such as UV, radiometric detection or Coulometric Arrays. Micro-NMR methods, have reduced the sample mass to obtain interpretable NMR spectra down to the mid-nanogram level. When used to load LC-MS fraction collected using the NanoSpltter, this system provides an exquisitely sensitive and practical LC-MS-NMR platform. Differential Ion Mobility (DMS) has proven invaluable as a front-end to MS, to disrupt or filter cluster ions. An LC-MS method for profiling 15 conjugated lipid hormones in a single run was developed in Vouros' group, using single reaction monitoring among other innovations, in a collaborative program with the Center for Drug Discovery. The Environmental Cancer Center Drs Giese and Vouros have been developing better assays for DNA adducts including a novel mass tag with high sensitivity, a study on exposure of hospital workers to the sterilization gas ethylene oxide, and CEC and CE assays for biomarkers of carcingens from grilled meats or cigarette smoke. A new program by Dr. Vouros in collaborations with Helmut Zarbl of the Fred Hutchinson cancer center is investigating the relationship between DNA adduct formation and toxicogenomic processes. Chemical Biology |
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