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Bernard F. Gibbs, Ph.D. Adj. Professor – Medical Scientist |
Research:
Proteomics, mass spectrometry, biomarkers
With the practical completion of the human genome project, a tremendous effort has been directed to its complement - the proteome project, which is estimated to be several times more complex. Proteomics aims at elucidating the structure, function and interaction of all the proteins in a given cell. Its execution involves three distinct techniques: advanced protein chemistry, high resolution mass spectrometry and complex bioinformatics.
In neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, and several forms of cancer, protein expression varies as the disease progresses. The characteristics of a protein found in a cell are often different from the protein encoded by the gene. These posttranslational modifications play a major role in protein signaling mechanisms and the onset of various diseases. Differences in the expression of low abundant proteins can be used as biomarkers during therapy.
Our research involves the use of proteomic tools to enchance drug discovery and development. The lab is presently equipped with an ABI Sciex QSTAR Pulsar-i fitted with ESI, MALDI and SELDI sources. The ESI includes microionspray and nanospray sources where samples can be infused at 40nL/min. A Ciphergen PBS 2c and other mass spec configurations are also available. We are also equipped with an analytical LC, Capillary-LC, gel electrophoresis, offline CE, and access to all major bioinformatic databases.
Our current interests include novel biomarkers of disease, bioactive peptides in physiological fluids, cytochrome P450 posttranslational modifications, protease inhibitors, image mass spectrometry. We collaborate with the other members of the Endocrine laboratory in the characterization of growth factors, cytokines, receptors, and in a proteomic endeavour to characterize the polypeptides of C. elegans. In addition, we support several departments at McGill University (Pharmacology, Physiology, Biochemistry and divisions within the faculties of Medicine and Sciences) in identifying biomolecules and new chemical entities. Collaborative projects are also being pursued with the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Civil and Environmental Engineering of Concordia University.
Selected Publications:
B.F.Gibbs (2006). Complete chemical and enzymatic treatment of phosphorylated and glycosylated proteins on protein chip arrays. United States patent US-:2006-0269980-A1 and Canadian patent No:2,507,117.
D. Taylor, B.F.Gibbs , S.Minotti, H.D Durham, J.N. Agar.2007. Trp32 is required for both cytotoxicity and aggregation of FALS G93A-SOD Journal of Biological Chemistry, 282 (22) 16329-16335.
J.W.Chung, C.Ng-.Hing, LI..Budman, B.F.Gibbs , J, H.E. Nash, M, Jacques, and J.W.Coulton .2007. Outer membrane proteome of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. LC-MS/MS validate in silico predictions, Proteomics Journal, 7(11), 1854-1865.
Q.Qiu, J.Domarkas, R.Banerjee, N.Merayo, F. Brahami, J.P McNamee, B.F.Gibbs and B.J.Jean-Claude. 2007.The combi-targeting concept: in vitro fragmentation of a stable combi-nitrosourea engineered to interact with the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor while remaining DNA Reactive. Clinical Cancer Research 2007, 13(1) 331-340.