Proteomics Research Group (de Souza)

The main interest in our group is independent research using proteomics/system biology to study T-cell and Dendritic cell biology. Both cells are key players of the immune system and alteration in their molecular composition are strongly related to disease states such as autoimmunity. By comparing related, yet different, cell samples, we aim to identify protein targets with different expression levels between such samples, which might explain molecular mechanisms participating in the process under study. For example, we are currently working with the characterization of the proteomic content of T-helper cells with different cytokine production profiles (Th1, Th2, Th17).  We are also interested to determine key protein components of immature dendritic cells, as well as dendritic cells after maturation with different stimuli. Such comparisons of related cell models are done through label-free quantitative methods, or Stable-Isotopic Labeling of Amino acids in Cell Culture (SILAC).

In addition, the Proteomics Core Facility (http://core.rr-research.no/index.php?section=30) is also an important provider of proteomics service within the Institute of Immunology and Rikshospitalet. We offer a broad range of services in mass spectrometry based proteomics, including sample preparation and analysis, but also training of the users and scientific advice to research groups in need proteomic methods.