Translational Sciences

We are particularly focused on using metabolomics to discover biomarkers and explore complex biological systems. For example, we’ve identified important metabolite patterns related to nutrition and obesity in Mexican Americans, which could help address health disparities. We’ve also found promising metabolite biomarkers for various cancers, including liver, colon, esophageal, ovarian, and breast cancers. Right now, we’re working to confirm these findings by testing additional samples from different sources.

a) J. Zhu, D. Djukovic, L. Deng, H. Gu, F. Himmati, E. Chiorean, D. Raftery*, “Colorectal Cancer Detection Using Targeted Serum Metabolic Profiling”, J. Proteome Res., 13, 4120-4130, 2014. PMID: 25126899

b) H. Zhao, J. Shen, D. Djukovic, C. Daniel-MacDougall, H. Gu, X. Wu, W. H. Chow, “Metabolomics-identified metabolites associated with body mass index and prospective weight gain among Mexican American women”, Obes. Sci. & Pract., 2, 309-317, 2016. PMCID: PMC5043515

c) M. Buas, H. Gu, D. Djukovic, J. Zhu, L. Onstad, B. Reid, D. Raftery*, T. Vaughan*, “Candidate serum metabolite biomarkers for differentiating gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett's esophagus, and high-grade dysplasia/esophageal adenocarcinoma”, Metabolomics, 13, 23, 2017. PMCID: PMC5295138

d) D. Wang, X. Sun, J. Yan, B. Ren, B. Cao, Q. Lu, Y. Liu, J. Zeng, N. Huang, Q. Xie, H. Gu*, J. Wang*, “Alterations of eicosanoids and related mediators in patients with schizophrenia”, J Psychiatr. Res., 102:168-178, 2018. PMID: 29674269