Dr. Mechref `s lab is focusing their research on glycomics and glycoproteomics in search for biomarkers to more accurately detect cancers and track their progression. Prostate cancer is one of the major points of study within the lab because the standard assay used to test for prostate cancer is at best 50 % accurate. Dr. Mechref and his colleagues are out to increase those odds. By tracking glycoproteins Dr. Mechref has the ability to identify cancers earlier in their proliferation. In the interview we went into Dr. Mechref`s many appointments. As the Director of the METACyt Biochemical analysis center, Dr. Mechref is developing high resolution and ultra sensitive bio anylnyltical separation techniques. As glycobiologists continue to hone their craft and look deeper into the functions on a cellular level, they are continually in need of higher specificity with their lab tools. And Dr. Mecref is heading up these developments.
Dr. Mechref is also the senior scientist at the Indiana University: “Our laboratory has long been involved with developing new high-resolution and ultra-sensitive bioanalytical separation techniques. Current research focuses on substantial improvement in resolution of complex biological mixtures and identification of the separated compounds through techniques such as electro spray mass spectrometry and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.
The most recent developmental aspects of our work include the preparation of highly efficient micro columns for various forms of chromatography and capillary electrophoresis; and new detectors based on the laser technologies, imaging detectors, and other measurement principles. Techniques of ultrahigh sensitivity are being developed for new, challenging problems of biological chemistry.” (Taken from the university site)
And in conjunction with the prior listed projects. Dr. Mechref is Senior scientist with the National Center for Glycomics and Glycoproteomics. Which is a NIH funded institute centered around the development of new methods of instrumentation on glycomics, proteomics, and glycol proteomics.
With the many facets to Dr. Mechref`s research, I found it easy to quickly jump into the interview. You will find we not only talked about the different centers of study and how they all worked together, but we also spoke heavily about the complexities of his research. Dr. Mechref guided us through a conversation of post translational modifications and their direct effects on function. You will not only find the interview interesting, you will also walk away with an education!!
Take a moment to check out this link to Dr Mechref`s lab!
Here are a few papers of interest!
http://lib.bioinfo.pl/auth:Mechref,Y
http://www.pnas.org/content/103/51/19472.full.pdf?ck=nck
http://en.scientificcommons.org/yehia_s_mechref
http://portal.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=1182041
http://glycob.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/10/3/231
