Exploring and harnessing cutting-edge technologies within the realms of mass spectrometry and proteomics.
Jayantha Gunaratne (JG) lab’s research programme on translational biomedical and clinical proteomics research focuses on extracellular proteome–based discoveries for development of next-gen molecular therapeutics and diagnostics for human diseases with unmet need. The group exploits state-of-the-art mass spectrometry technology in combination with computational biology. The lab pioneered establishing a fully functional advanced proteomics laboratory in Singapore that gained reputation and created ample demand and interest for tapping this elegant technology in biomedical research projects from both local and regional research communities.
The JG lab forged multidisciplinary team of competent scientists and technologists, and a strong collaborative network with local and international hospitals, universities, government agencies and industries. The lab’s proven track-record exceeds 100 peer-reviewed publications and several inventions, as well as nurturing next-generation talents including students ranging from junior school to PhD.
Pioneering Advanced Proteomics Technology in Singapore
Progress in science depends on accessible technologies. Lack of access to high-quality tools limits high-quality research activities and significant outcomes. We created IMCB’s advanced proteomics lab, which has gained high reputation in a short time with a high demand for tapping this advanced technology in biomedical research projects (more than 100) from local and international scientists. Some inhouse publications: Mol Cell Proteomics. PMID: 22511458 & PMID: 23462206; J Am Soc Mass Spectrom. PMID: 22033888 )
Basic science research
Our research projects initially focused on cancer proteomics to uncover key mechanistic information pertaining to cancer initiation and progression including roles of cancer-driven mutations (J Biol Chem. PMID: 21454687; Breast Cancer Res. PMID: 29233185; EMBO Rep., PMID: 22653443). In addition to these projects, TBPL contributed to multiple collaborative research projects with several publications in high-profile journals: E.g. identifying dengue epidemic subgenomic RNA-TRIM25 interaction (Science, PMID: 26365490) & factors for provirus silencing in embryonic stem cells (Cell, PMID: 26138103).
Translational research
The group initiated translational biomedical and clinical proteomics research program to fill the gaps in disease diagnostics and therapeutics primarily by capitalizing advanced proteomics technology. The key outcomes of these projects include (i) sheddase-centric therapeutic targets for diabetic eye diseases (Theranostics, PMID: 36185601), (ii) breast cancer mechanisms & therapeutic targets (Cancer Lett. PMID: 30905819; Breast Cancer Res. PMID: 29233185; iScience, PMID: 32058975; ), (iii) developing first-of-its-kind clinical MS assay for flavivirus detection by exploiting targeted MS (PNAS, PMID: 30886083). Moreover, we discovered a robust urinary marker panel for early-stage bladder cancer diagnosis (international patents; Oncotargets, PMID: 25915536).