Research
The Lab pursues 4 overarching scientific themes outlined below. The goals sometimes overlap because each project can provide important insights and contributions to each other project. Fundamental (often called basic) science underpins all of the major themes, even as we work with epidemiologists and clinicians across projects.
Below these major goals are a sampling of specific projects the lab is working on. These themes are representative of our work but we are always trying new things so this list of specific projects is never really up to date. We welcome ideas of new projects to add (especially from new collaborators and applicants to the lab, see "Positions").
Major Themes
First, we work to improve the fundamental analytical chemistry techniques used to measure bio-molecules. Measuring exposures and metabolism in humans is still difficult even with incredible advances in technology. We address the major challenges in this field as part of our ongoing work and as a research goal in and of itself. This fundamental work bridges technological advances and cutting edge biology to push forward our ability to identify new targets in diseases from diabetes to cancer.
Second, we seek to improve the quantitative understanding of exogenous and endogenous metabolism. To accomplish these goals, we apply various techniques in analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, exposure science, pharmacology, toxicology, and physiology. This theme finds entirely novel targets to understand, diagnose, and treat diseases.
Third, we work to discover modifiable risk factors at the maternal/fetal interface for early neurodevelopment and autism spectrum disorder. This would include exposures, nutrients, metabolites, or products of gestational environment and genetic interactions that modify the severity and prevalence of autism. This work helps to dispel false and incredibly harmful theories of disease causation by identifying actionable targets and risk factors.
Fourth, we quantitatively study the targetable metabolic rewiring that occurs in many types of human cancers. Metabolism is the process of interconversion of molecules and cancer cells take unique approaches to adapting their metabolism to create a growth advantage. This theme addresses the subset of this metabolic rewiring that may be a vulnerability in some cancers to understand how and where to apply new therapies.
Specific Projects
Metabolism of the eukaryotic nucleus.
Alternative fates for propionate.
Isotope tracing across compartmentalized eukaryotic subcellular compartments.
The role of acyl-CoA metabolism in metabolic diseases, cancer metabolism, and immunology.
Alternative biosamples for maternal & fetal metabolomics and/or exposomics.
Fetal exposure to chemotherapeutics during maternal chemotherapy.
Steroid biochemistry during gestation.
Pre-analytical variability in metabolism and exposure studies
Minimally demanding pregnancy cohorts at community hospital systems.
Retrospective molecular epidemiology using dried blood spots.
Maternal/fetal exposures and developmental trajectories.
Biomarkers of exposure, biomarkers of exposure response, and biomarkers of disease.