Taking proteomics to the clinic – biomarker and pathway analysis of patient samples

Summary

Only approximately 50% of patients will be successfully diagnosed by genetic analysis and even when a gene is identified, there may be no immediate drug target. Proteomics analysis of patient blood and fibroblasts can provide both diagnostic information and indicate protein pathways to target with drugs. The use of proteomics and phosphoproteomics is being developed as a rapid screening tool for personalised medicine

Supervisor(s)

Dr Mark Graham

Research Location

Westmead - Childrens Medical Research Institute

Program Type

PHD

Synopsis

Proteomics for rapid diagnostics and biomarker discovery in the age of personalised medicine.

Additional Information

The Synapse Proteomics group uses cutting edge proteomics and bioinformatics analysis to understand how protein pathways are perturbed in disease. Proteomics is used to determine disease-related biomarkers and protein pathways. We also study phosphorylation-based cellular signalling, since phospho-signalling is the earliest marker of pathways responding to environmental stimulus. Signalling is discovered using phosphoproteomics. The proteomics data is simplified using bioinformatics tools that are being continuously developed in collaboration. The screens may be followed by functional assays to verify new mechanisms that can potentially be exploited to develop therapeutics for diseases. Functional analyses may use genetic tools such as CRIPSR-Cas9, viral vectors or drugs in combination with a functional readout, such as microscopy.

Keywords

phosphoproteomics, mass spectrometry, protein, molecular biology, post-translational modification, physiology, clinical, biomarker, Proteomics, Cell biology, Phosphorylation, Cell signalling, Personalised Medicine

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 1008

Other opportunities with Dr Mark Graham

• How to stop an epileptic seizure - looking for the right molecules to target
• How do molecules make memories? Understanding synaptic plasticity at the level of protein pathways and signalling.