Laboratory Services

A wide array of analytical and biochemistry tools is necessary to understand the role, function, and structure of biomolecules in disease pathology. The insights gained through basic science investigations are then used to identify and validate potential molecular targets and countermeasures for development of new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics. The advanced techniques used by our scientists enable investigation into the synthesis of biologically active molecules, as well as the metabolic and signaling pathways associated with pathogen proliferation and their response to environmental stress. Additionally, we screen for infectious diseases by implementing highly specialized diagnostic tests to measure metabolic and enzymatic products that are characteristic of specific pathogens. To support development of infectious disease prevention and treatment measures, our experts research and synthesize target-specific bioactive molecules and evaluate the safety and toxicity of these potential therapeutics. Our team uses chemical characterizations via GS- LC-MS and employs biochemical and cytotoxicity tests against a range of cell types to evaluate the safety profiles of prospective therapeutics.

Recent biomedical research has demonstrated that the human immune system holds the key to unlocking potential solutions to many current incurable disease states. With our expertise in microbiology, immunology, and virology, we can leverage newly discovered biomarkers and technologies to develop individualized-based medical solutions to autoimmune and other intractable diseases and disorders.

We leverage our knowledge in microbiology to characterize and understand the microbes, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, that can cause disease and infections, as well as the beneficial microbiome that contribute to human health. Our research teams have a wealth of experience preparing cultures and using advanced tools, such as various microscopic techniques, Raman spectroscopy, and photometry to identify, characterize, and quantify microbial populations. Likewise, in the area of immunology, characterizing the inflammatory response to foreign pathogens and allergens, as well as the autoantibodies associated with autoimmune disorders, has led to an enhanced understanding of disease mechanisms and potential therapies. Our scientists develop and apply advanced immunoassay techniques, including ELISA, PCR, and multiplex assays, to identify and measure inflammatory markers, perform antibody characterization, and understand immunogenicity. We apply these techniques to facilitate the identification, expression, and purification of novel antigens for infectious diseases, such as malaria, and to develop and advance new candidate vaccines for disease prevention and eradication.

Genetic information from bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens provides an abundance of information about the sources and transmission of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance patterns. Our scientists implement next-generation sequencing and other genomic techniques to study the genomes of microorganisms, disease vectors, hosts, and the host microbiome to understand the genetic factors that contribute to transmission, pathogenesis, immunity, and antibiotic resistance. In addition, we use mass spectroscopy and other proteomics approaches to characterize proteins that control cell function to understand the status of a cell and its molecular alterations in response to infection. These approaches enable our scientists to understand cellular mechanisms that are associated with the replication and transmission of infectious disease, as well as the host response to pathogens. The immense datasets produced by genomic and proteomic experimentation using high-throughput, high-content assays can be used to model complex biological system interactions and identify strategies to prevent, diagnose, and treat infectious diseases.