1. Proteomic biomarker discovery: It’s more than just mass spectrometry
Lisandra Santiago, an alumnus of UPR-Cayey presented the conference on
Proteomic biomarker discovery. During her visit she discussed a very interesting theme.
It was based on biomarkers and mass spectrometry. The function of a biomarker is to
indicate a particular disease so it can be detected earlier and start treatments in earlier
stages. Their objective was to find this biomarker so it could help in the treatment of
different diseases such as Cancer. The development of shotgun proteomics led to a
simple strategy for discovering biomarkers. Shotgun proteomics is a method that
identifies proteins in complex mixtures with the combination of liquid chromatography
and mass spectrometry. With these technologies a lot of samples are generated in only
one analysis. The methods used were 454 sequencing, microarrays and mass
spectrometry. Mass spectrometry has a dynamic range, sensitivity and high mass
resolution letting the scientist observes masses of particles much better. When they are
trying to recognize biomarkers they use blood and tissue samples. In blood it is difficult
to identify biomarkers and in tissues a biopsy is required. That is why they are trying to
combine both procedures. In conclusion, the mass spectrometry technology will
continue to advance because trying to identify useful biomarkers is very challenging.
During this presentation I learned a lot of new important information for the evolution
of science. With this evolutions scientists can better understand the human body and
help maintain a healthy environment, develop more techniques to save others and
contribute to the learning of those new future scientists. Mrs. Lisandra is a great speaker
and I am really thankful for everything she taught us.