Projects

Chemoproteomics

Proteins act as the effector molecules of cells – carrying out most of the structural, regulatory, and enzymatic functions. Proteins themselves are often regulated through direct interaction with ligands, including metals, lipids, other proteins, and drugs. These protein-ligand interactions are fundamental to diverse biological processes. Yet, technologies to explore these interactions are limited in terms of both throughput and their ability to scale. We are building tools and methods to rapidly quantify these interactions and determine mechanisms of action for diverse species of ligands.

Adaptive Mass Spectrometry

Intelligent data acquisition in mass spectrometry driven proteomics can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of proteomics data collection. Using methods like real-time data base searching (search a spectra in less than 10 milliseconds) we are building adaptive strategies to harness spectral data to determine quantitative disparities between cellular states.

Systems Proteomics

Modern proteomics enables quantitation of up to 10,000 proteins from complex cellular matrices. At the interface of cell biology, biochemistry and proteomics, we are attempting to understand how proteins govern key cellular pathways involved in normal cellular function and disease (e.g. cancer).

Informatics

The lab is actively developing programs to enable the above projects geared towards adaptive instrument control, data analysis, and data interpretation. Projects under development can be found at our GitHub page

Host-pathogen Interactions

Multidrug resistant pathogens are a continuing national health concern. To address this we are investigating how pathogen proteins and pathways that govern virulence affect host cellular state through the lens of the proteome.