简介

Proteomics provides an unbiased window on the workings of the cell, and can provide cues to functional protein complexes, biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. Three projects are: 1. More than a quarter of those infected with HIV exhibit some form of cognitive impairment. The Einstein Proteomics Research Center for HIV-Related Neurological and Substance Abuse is investigating the mechanisms underlying the development of cognitive impairment in HIV infected individuals even in the face of modern CART therapy. Quantitative proteomics technologies are being used in animal and tissue culture models and in human subjects, in a collaboration with Drs. Harris Goldstein, Joan Berman, Andras Fiser, Louis Weiss and Julia Arnsten. These studies will help identify new therapeutic targets for preventing the progression neurological consequences of AIDS. 2. Proteomic studies of the development of hepatic neoplasia in rat are being translated into studies with human patients. Serum biomarkers are being identified to help identify patients with early stage hepatocellular carcinoma in a collaboration with Drs. Allan Wolkoff and Milan Kinkhabwala. Our laboratory has also developed proteomic tools for identification of tubulin isotypes and posttranslational modifications. These tools are being used to identify changes in tubulin composition associated with development of metastasis or drug resistance, in collaboration with Dr. Susan Band Horwitz. 3. Our laboratory probes protein dynamics and protein complexes in solution using the tools of hydrogen-deuterium exchange coupled to mass spectrometry and novel technologies for enrichment of crosslinked partners at protein contact sites. The details of molecular structure and interactions reveal mechanistic insights.