Molecular imaging of human tissues for biomarker discovery
Our laboratory is constantly pushing the limits in analytical performance of direct MS techniques to improve disease detection from challenging clinical samples such as minimally invasive biopsies. Using DESI-MS imaging and other direct MS techniques, we are optimizing experimental protocols and data analytics to maximize molecular coverage and sensitivity to detect diagnostic molecules from patient samples that have complex cellular and molecular composition.
We are working on several important projects within this area. For example, we have an ongoing NIH-funded prospective clinical study to collect thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsies from patients to evaluate if we can pre-operative identify cancer within the samples. We are also using DESI-MS imaging technology to analyze platelets and liquid biopsies from patients for diagnostic purposes.
Our work in this field has paved the way for innumerable new applications for using MS to diagnose disease based on metabolic information acquired from minimally invasive biopsies.
Development of Diagnostic Methods for Clinical Use
Our laboratory is constantly pushing the limits in analytical performance of direct MS techniques to improve disease detection from challenging clinical samples such as minimally invasive biopsies. Using DESI-MS imaging and other direct MS techniques, we are optimizing experimental protocols and data analytics to maximize molecular coverage and sensitivity to detect diagnostic molecules from patient samples that have complex cellular and molecular composition.
We are working on several important projects within this area. For example, we have an ongoing NIH-funded prospective clinical study to collect thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsies from patients to evaluate if we can pre-operative identify cancer within the samples. We are also using DESI-MS imaging technology to analyze platelets and liquid biopsies from patients for diagnostic purposes.
Our work in this field has paved the way for innumerable new applications for using MS to diagnose disease based on metabolic information acquired from minimally invasive biopsies.
Rapid identification of infectious diseases
Our laboratory is very interested in using our innovative technologies to provide new methods for rapid identification of infectious diseases. We are particularly interested in using the MasSpec Pen technology to look at molecular signatures of clinically relevant bacteria and identify markers to antibiotic resistant.
We have a particular interest in clinically relevant projects in this area that have clear impact in patient care. For example, we have an ongoing NIH-funded project in which we are applying the MasSpec pen to identify pathogens and resistance in osteoarticular infection samples form pediatric patients.
Our work in this field has the potential to allow rapid identification of bacteria and their resistance to improve patient care.
