Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics
Protein science (proteomics) is the study of proteins within an organism or part of an organism. The human body’s metabolism is important to provide all life processes with energy as well as building blocks. The study of metabolic products or metabolites is called metabolomics. An important topic within metabolomics is the search for patterns and abnormalities in the metabolite profile that provide indications about the health status, also called biomarkers.
What we do
CPM conducts research into proteins and metabolites to map disease-related alterations. We conduct this research with the help of mass spectrometers, among other analytical equipment. Mass spectrometers are devices that researchers can use to characterise proteins or fragments thereof to answer biological questions.
CPM covers different areas of expertise:
- Proteomics | The main goal of the proteomics group is to develop methods to improve the identification and characterisation of proteins, so we can obtain a better insight into disease processes.
- Metabolomics | Within the metabolomics group, we conduct research into the development and application of analysis techniques for research into small molecules such as metabolites and lipids.
- Glycomics | Glycans (sugar chains) attached to a protein can change structure and position. Within the glycomics group, techniques are developed and applied to study these changes in disease processes and to characterise biopharmaceuticals.
- Mass Spectrometry Imaging | Within the Mass Spectrometry Imaging Group, microscopic imaging is combined with the analytical properties of a mass spectrometer. The goal is to develop new methods to obtain more information about proteins, metabolites, and lipids from tissues. Another aim is to support research into disease processes by applying methods in pre-clinical studies to provide pathologists, and molecular and cell biologists with molecular information from tissue.
- Bioinformatics | Mass spectrometric experiments generate an enormous amount of data. The bioinformatics group uses computer techniques to understand human diseases better by combining data from different studies.