Investigators and Program Directors
Charles R. Hauer
Research Scientist, Wadsworth Center, Molecular Diagnostics
Assistant Professor, School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences
Ph.D., University of Virginia (1991)
Postdoctoral training, Universität Zürich and
Kinderspital Zürich,
Research Interests
My general interest is the application and further development of mass spectrometry for biomolecule structure characterization. Our laboratory includes a ThermoFinnigan LCQ-Deca ion trap mass spectrometer with a nanospray ionization source, and a ThermoFinnigan LTQ linear ion trap mass spectrometer with a nanospray ionization source interfaced to a state-of-the-art nanoLC system. Most studies involve protein/peptide primary structure determination, with additional emphasis placed on the elucidation of posttranslational modifications if necessary. Instrument development is focused on improving the capability and application of the LTQ MS for proteomics.
With the ever increasing amount of genome information available the use of mass spectrometry for proteome analysis has expanded significantly. This is accomplished through rapid identification, from enzyme digestions and MS/MS pattern matching via database comparison, of proteins isolated in 1D-gels, 2D-gels, or in solution. Once protein(s) of interest have been identified by mass spectrometry we can also assess the presence of posttranslational modifications. The activity and localization of many proteins is regulated through phosphorylation, glycosylation, fatty acid acylation, etc. We are interested in the identification and structure / function relationship of proteins associated with disease states or specific cellular processes.
Contact Information
E-mail: hauer@wadsworth.org