| Proteomics research themes | |
Proteomic technology development |
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Despite the introduction of novel gel and non-gel based strategies has certainly dramatically improved
proteomic research, further developments are still required. Our research group attempts to contribute
to novel technologies through two projects. The research unit of Dr. Bart Samyn is developing novel
chemical derivatisation and cleavage strategies to dramatically improve the sequence coverage and the
possibility to determine post-translational modifications. A novel procedure implementing CNBr cleavage
on gel separated proteins for the analysis of C-terminal protein processing (Samyn et al. Nature Methods 2005)
has been developed.
Another unit, guided by Prof. Devreese is establishing the use and miniaturization of multidimensional chromatographic tools, combined with commercially available tools such as ICAT and ITRAQ as an alternative for 2D-PAGE. Recent work proved the complementarity of these techniques on myelin proteins (Vanrobaeys et al. Journal of Proteome Research 2005). |
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| Microbial physiology applications | |
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Our research group focuses on microbial proteomics, mainly applied on the bug Shewanella
oneidensis that has important potential for bioremediation purposes such as metal decontamination
and dye removal. We are using 2D-PAGE techniques to unravel molecular mechanisms of redox processes
and biofilm formation. We recently introduced TAP-technology to understand protein interactions
involved in these processes. Other applications involve understanding of antibiotic resistance and the role of biofilm formation of hospital acquired infections-related organisms and the study of photoresponse in phototactic processes. |
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| Biomedical applications | |
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Our research group is actively working to improve proteomic approaches to be used as diagnostic tools
in disease state through collaborations with medical research groups. Current project involve the
understanding of myopathies, mitochondrial diseases and myelin based diseases in collaboration with
the pediatric division at Ghent university hospital.
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| The laboratory is continuously searching for PhD students and postdocs that are interested to enter proteomic research. Interested persons should contact Prof. Dr. Bart Devreese. | |
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