About the lab

We use a variety of techniques (mass spectrometry, recombinant protein methods, enzymology) to study molecules and understand the biochemical basis for underlying processes.

Mass spectrometry

Enzymology

Bioactivity screening

Molecular cloning

Recombinant protein expression

Research Projects

High-Value Biomolecules from Sea Cucumbers

Holothurid sea cucumbers are traditional ingredients in Asian folkloric medicine and are rich in bioactive components. Bioactive compounds from sea cucumbers span a variety of chemical compounds, and while some bioactives can be sourced from other organisms, some appear to be unique to particular sea cucumbers. We will endeavor to provide a detailed profile of sea cucumber-derived secondary metabolites in order to maximize the economic potential of our local sea cucumbers. High-throughput molecular identification can be readily achieved using mass spectrometry.

Current research projects include molecular profiling, biochemical characterization of collagen and small molecules, and development of sea cucumber-based products. Funded by DOST-PCAARRD

Researchers: Janella Borromeo, Aidan Resoles, Zen Torreno, Nel Tamayo

Metabolomics of Philippine Seaweeds

Uncovering the inherent molecular diversity of the seaweeds found in the Philippines will complement MSI's biodiversity studies and systematics efforts. This project aims to create an in-house molecule database for future biotechnology efforts. This is in collaboration with the Marine Phycology Lab (under Dr. Fred Santiañez) and the Inorganic Biogeochemistry Research lab ( under. Dr. Irene Rodriguez). We are also looking at suitability of seaweed extracts as feeds for juvenile sea cucumbers.

Researchers: Zen Torreno, Abby Labios, Linz Tono, Glaiza Ibañez

Microbial Enzymes and Metabolites with Biotechnological Applications

Microbial organisms that occupy unique ecological niches represent a promising and potentially valuable source of untapped enzymes for biotechnological applications. Two applications we are interested in are biomass conversion and bioremediation. We use enzyme assays, “omics” and recombinant protein technologies to screen, identify and characterize target enzymes.

Projects include:

(1) Enzymes from Shipworm Symbionts for biofilm and biomass degradation

(2) Fungal and microbial secretome enzymes for cellulose and chitin degradation and dye detoxification;

(3) Pigments produced by fungal endophytes.

Researchers: Renz Carpina, Joan Chua, Lyle De Guzman, Aidan Resoles, Hanz Salvacion, Jaz Serrano, Joshua Lopez

Venom Peptide Sequencing for Drug Discovery

The venoms of cone snails contain neuroactive peptides that act on a wide range of pharmacological targets. Our lab is part of the Conopeptide Drug Discovery Program and we identify conopeptide sequences by mass spectrometry. We are also part of the UST GAGAMBA project, this time, sequencing spider venom peptides.

Generating proteomes will provide a more comprehensive picture of the venom profiles and will be used to obtain insights into their biochemistry. We also develop in-house de novo sequencing algorithms and MS analysis codes to facilitate peptide sequencing by tandem mass spectrometry.

Researchers: Ella Gamba, Joyce Garcia, Charles Noriega, Janella Borromeo, Isobel Suba

Biochemistry of Ligand-Protein Interactions

Characterization of biomolecules, their assemblies and the molecular mechanisms of ligand-protein interactions is crucial in understanding biological processes.

We are interested in systems such the mammalian base excision repair machinery and insect tyramine receptors. We combine bioinformatics, biochemistry and molecular modeling (in collaboration with Dr. Ricky Nellas’ lab) methods in addressing these research questions.

Researchers: Renz Carpina, Joshua Lopez

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