Identification of novel spartin-interactors shows spartin is a multifunctional protein.

Hereditary spastic paraplegia describes a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by lower limb progressive weakness and spasticity. Troyer syndrome is an autosomal recessive form of hereditary spastic paraplegia caused by a frameshift mutation (1110delA) in the SPG20 gene encoding spartin protein, the cellular function of which remains unknown. Knowledge about spartin-interactors is also very limited.

High-throughput proteomics detection of novel splice isoforms in human platelets.

Alternative splicing (AS) is an intrinsic regulatory mechanism of all metazoans. Recent findings suggest that 100% of multiexonic human genes give rise to splice isoforms. AS can be specific to tissue type, environment or developmentally regulated.

Activity profiling of platelets by chemical proteomics.

Chemical proteomics or activity based proteomics is a functional proteomics technology where molecular probes are used to target a selective group of functionally related proteins. Its emergence has enabled specific targeting of subproteomes, overcoming the limitations in dynamic range of traditional large-scale proteomics experiments. Using a chemical proteomics strategy, we attempt to differentially profile the nucleotide-binding proteome of active and resting platelets.

Finding drug targets through analysis of the platelet transcriptome.

Recent studies of the platelet transcriptome have shown it to be complex and readily analysed by modern techniques. Among the thousands of distinct transcripts are many not previously described in platelets. Differences in message abundance between groups are apparent, and these are reflected at the protein level.

Characterization of the proteins released from activated platelets leads to localization of novel platelet proteins in human atherosclerotic lesions.

Proteins secreted by activated platelets can adhere to the vessel wall and promote the development of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Despite this biologic significance, however, the complement of proteins comprising the platelet releasate is largely unknown. Using a proteomics approach, we have identified more than 300 proteins released by human platelets following thrombin activation.