We study changes in protein posttranslational modifications with the goal of understanding their meaning—whether it be biological or ex vivo in origin.
We have found that changes in multiple different types of protein posttranslational modifications occur ex vivo and that rather than indicating biological significance, point toward biospecimen mishandling. As such, we have developed an interest in biospecimen science, including tapping into these modifications as forensic-like indicators of biospecimen integrity.
Mass spectrometry serves as the most efficient means of characterizing and quantifying PTMs—which can be difficult if not intractable when approached by other means. Careful, creative sample preparation serves as the key to accessing the full utility of this powerful analytical technique. Mass spectrometry, however, does not underpin all of the work in our laboratory.
Recently, our interest in biospecimen integrity has spawned development of chemical approaches to tracking the exposure of biospecimens to thawed conditions—under which (bio)chemical reactions occur that cause the specimens to no longer reflect in vivo reality at the molecular level.
Detailed information about ongoing projects can be found under the Research Topics links below.
