BIOCHEMISTRY

An Analysis of Dynamic Proteomes with Enhanced Sample Preparation and Computation

Mass spectrometry — a technique used to weigh molecules — is an increasingly useful technology to drive biological research that results in a lot of data for researchers to sort through. Erin Weisenhorn spent her Ph.D. looking for new methods in sample prep and computational analysis to help scientists get the answers they need to make sense of their data and fuel discoveries. One project in particular focused on how to measure protein turnover, the rate at which proteins are degraded and replaced in a tissue. Because turnover decreases with age, more defective proteins can linger and lead to a variety of problems, including potential neurodegenerative disease. The methods she helped devise will allow researchers to explore this area.

To learn more about her research, attend her Thesis Review at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2 in Room 1111 of the Genetics and Biotechnology Center.