Proteomics

A proteome is the population of all proteins present in a cell to a defined time point and under defined conditions. In contrast to the static genomic information, the proteome is highly dynamic as proteins are constantly synthesized or degraded and not all proteins are expressed at every time. Further on, protein structures can be modified by (ir)reversible posttranslational modifications. Proteome composition and interactions between the proteins are fine regulated, enabling the cell to react very efficiently on biological and environmental factors. This fine regulation can be disturbed – either as the result or the reason for diseases. Therefore, a detailed knowledge of the proteome composition is a key for a deeper understanding of molecular reasons of many diseases.

The research of the working group Systematic Proteome Research & Bioanalytics at CAU, led by Andreas Tholey, is focused on the development of novel technologies and methods in the field of instrumental (bio) analytics; and the application of these analytical approaches on biological, biotechnological and biomedical problems. A main focus lies on the coupling of ESI- and MALDI mass spectrometry with multidimensional chromatography and on novel analytical strategies for the analytics of peptides, proteins, peptidomes, proteomes, posttranslational modifications and for other classes of biomolecules (e.g. metabolites).

Other foci of the Tholey group encompass the development of analytical approaches for the detection of posttranslational modifications, the analysis and molecular characterization of antimicrobial peptides for top-down proteomics and for the miniaturization of proteomics methods, e.g. microfluidics approaches, to cope with restricted biological materials.