What can proteomics teach us about infectious disease
ABSTRACT
Dr. Coomb’s group has used the SomaScan® Assay to screen >1,300 host proteins in Zika virus-infected cells, both globally and specifically in the central nervous system. Significant findings include the identification of nearly 300 astrocyte proteins that were significantly dysregulated by Zika infections, pointing to pathways that may be involved in neurological complications resulting from Zika, such as microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Dr. Coombs’ work in influenza has included extensive proteomic scanning of H5N1, H1N1, and H7N9 in various cell types including induced-pluripotent stem cells. Significant findings include the observation that low-pathogenicity strains induce less profound changes to the global proteome. For instance, avian strains stimulate significant downregulation of key proteins, including those involved in antimicrobial response. Seasonal strains do not elicit the same response. Further, Dr. Coombs’ team found that viral infection in stem cells can reduce pluripotency, activate autophagy, and lead to abnormal differentiation.
Key highlights include:
- Using proteomics to identify biological processes associated with infection
- Measuring proteomic changes in response to antimicrobials
- Comparing and contrasting cellular response to Zika and influenza
- Exploring how the SomaScan Assay could be used to study COVID-19
Kevin Coombs, Ph.D.
Professor of Medical Microbiology with cross-appointments in Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Microbiology the University of Manitoba
Dr. Kevin Coombs is a Professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology with cross-appointments in Physiology and Pathophysiology and in Microbiology. He serves on several Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, and Virology Editorial Boards and is currently Chair of the CIHR Virology & Viral Pathogenesis Committee.
Dr. Coombs received his B.A.s in Biology and English from the State University of New York in Geneseo and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Texas in Austin. His post-doctoral training in molecular and structural virology was done in the labs of Drs. Bernie Fields and Steve Harrison at Harvard.
His research interests include delineation of the protein and nucleic acid interactions in nucleoprotein complexes, using a variety of RNA viruses as models. His lab studies how these interactions change as a result of, and in turn, are modulated by, conformational transitions that occur during macromolecular assembly and disassembly, how these processes can be attenuated by anti-viral compounds, and how these processes in virus infections contribute to pathogenesis in the host.
What can proteomics teach us about infectious disease
A presentation by Kevin Coombs, Ph.D.
More webinars
WebinarIdentifying Biomarkers for IBD Diagnosis and Management
In this webinar, you’ll hear how proteomics technology can enhance the identification of biomarkers for the accurate diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as the identification of biomarkers that predict response to TNF inhibitors and other biologics in patients with IBD.
WebinarBoutique Webinar : Predicting Pregnancy Complications with High-Plex Proteomics
The interdisciplinary team, comprising 10-15 scientists and clinician-scientists, is dedicated to advancing diagnostics and therapeutics aimed at enhancing maternal and fetal care. Their primary focus lies in the development of interventions for conditions such as ectopic pregnancy and preeclampsia, alongside the creation of diagnostics to prevent stillbirth.
WebinarYoung blood for old brains and the quest to slow brain aging
Aging leads to the degradation of function in nearly all tissues and organs. This process is marked by significant shifts in gene expression and changes in concentrations of all types of biological molecules. Recent technological progress has allowed biologists to measure an unprecedented number of these molecules throughout an organism