Research

Proteomics is a comprehensive research field at the interface between biology, chemistry and medicine, addressing the analysis of single proteins as well as complex protein networks or even cell lysates. In proteomic research it is often necessary to study samples comprising thousands of components in varying amounts. Using modern mass spectrometry, an increasing number of new strategies is currently being developed to enable relative and absolute quantification of single proteins in such a complex array. Post-translational modifications of proteins are a particular challenge in this context, as they can have drastic effects on protein function. These changes in protein function are normally not deducible from the genome sequence and require a broad range of variable methods for a comprehensive characterization.
In the Proteomics department at ISAS we develop analytical methods and measuring techniques for proteomic research in the fields of systems biology, phosphoproteomics and glycoproteomics and apply them to biological and biomedical problems. Our research focuses on optimized sample preparation (e.g. miniaturized enrichment of modified peptide species or preparation of membrane proteins) as well as on different separation techniques for proteins, peptides and sugars (e.g. HPLC applications with nanoliter flow rates). Additionally, we work on the fields of high resolution mass spectrometry detection and of computer based data evaluation by dedicated software solutions.