Our lab has been intimately involved in several large-scale proteomics projects that relate to improved understanding of human health and diseases. Biofluids, such as saliva and bronchoalveolar and nasal lavage fluids, have been examined as a means to discover disease biomarkers. Tissue samples are used to probe the biological effects of ionizing radiation and to aid the development of radiomitigative drugs.

Traumatic Brain Injury - We use quantitative proteomics strategies to address the currently unmet need for protein markers of traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in individuals under the age of 45 years. Current neurotrauma marker candidates are of limited clinical use because they poorly correlate with outcome. With Dr. Ina Wanner (UCLA Semel Institute), we are developing astrocyte-specific biomarkers that correlate to trauma severity. Our work potentially benefits neurotrauma research by delivering novel insight to brain cell injury mechanisms and tracking of their unique biofluid signatures.