Mass spectrometry-based analysis of post-translational modifications
This research line will develop new methodological approaches to target different post-translational modifications, such as protein phosphorylation, glycosylation, acetylation, sumoylation and oxidation. We have already developed several methods to enrich for substoichiometric levels of glycosylated, phosphorylated and acetylated proteins. These methods are now applied worldwide to several biological systems ranging from plants to human, from tissues to biofluids. Moreover we have recently established a new enrichment technique to selectively isolate cysteine oxidized proteins. These methodological advances are needed to have a deeper look at the biological systems under investigation.
Cancer cell signalling
This research line is aimed at understanding the signalling pathways modulated during cancer metastasis using quantitative mass spectrometry-based approaches. In particular the cross-talk between protein glycosylation on the cancer cell surface and phosphorylation-mediated intracellular signalling pathways is elucidated. The quantitative site-specific analysis of protein modifications will allow a better understanding of the underlined cancer biology and will offer new therapeutic potentials for this deadly disease.
Molecular diagnostic of parasite infections
This research line will develop new mass spectrometry-based approaches to identify molecular markers of infectious diseases in biofluids such as urine and blood. The GlycoProteomics laboratory is located at the Department of Parasitology, ICB-USP and has access to a large collection of Trypanosomatids and other parasites. This precious resource will allow us to investigate the Trypanosomatids biology and translate this knowledge into clinical diagnostic applications. Indeed, we aim at investigating the parasites (glyco)proteins released in hosts biofluids. This research line will complement the existing methods for parasite infections diagnostic offering novel solutions to the community.