Genomics and proteomics
Proteomics pioneer
Christoph Borchers, director of the UVic-Genome BC Proteomics Centre, studies the structure and function of proteins.
His research focuses on biomedical applications and the development of diagnostic tools. Says Borchers: “What we’re all working toward is the day when we can take a drop of blood and determine exactly what is wrong with a patient, what diseases he or she is susceptible to, and later on, what therapy would be best.”
Mining our genetic heritage
Over the past 20 years, the life sciences have been revolutionized by the new fields of genomics and proteomics, which seek to understand the molecular building blocks of life.
UVic researchers are world leaders in the development, use and application of genomics and proteomics technologies. Their work is laying the foundations for advances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, the design of new drugs, improved survival of fish stocks, the development of hardier trees and crops, and assessments of environmental health.
At the core of the university’s proteomics research activity is the UVic-Genome BC Proteomics Centre, an advanced facility used by regional, national and international academic and industry researchers. The centre provides a blend of modern mass spectrometry, separation sciences, bioinformatics, information technology and project management.
Learn more about Genomics and Proteomics research at UVic:
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Microbiology research
- UVic-Genome BC Proteomics Centre
- Centre for Biomedical Research
- Centre for Forest Biology
Genomics of salmon and lice
When Ben Koop tells you he’s having a lousy day, he isn’t kidding. The biologist and Canada Research Chair in Genomics and Molecular Biology is co-leader of a study that is uncovering the genetic secrets of that tiny nemesis of BC’s wild and farmed salmon—the Pacific sea louse.
Koop and colleagues are already world leaders in salmon genomics. “We have identified 90 per cent of salmonid genes,” he says, “and now have targets for disease vaccines and for people studying local adaptation of wild fish stocks. Learn more about Dr. Koop's research.
On the trail of breast cancer
“It’s like looking for a single leaf on planet Earth,” says biochemist Terry Pearson of the search for molecules present in the blood in the early stages of breast cancer.
Pearson’s research team, along with three labs in the US, has developed a technique that uses antibodies—produced by our bodies to fight disease—to isolate blood proteins that indicate breast cancer. Sensitive instruments known as mass spectrometers are being used to determine if these molecules are “biomarkers” for early detection of the disease. Read more about Dr. Pearson's protein research.
Genetic insect repellant
Trees are faced with many pests and diseases, but have surprisingly sophisticated defences to thwart attack. Understanding the biochemical and molecular processes behind this defence—especially those that repel insect pests—is the focus of Peter Constabel, director of UVic’s Centre for Forest Biology.
He and his team study the genes and proteins produced by poplar trees to ward off insect invaders. Says Constabel: “A better understanding of how these biochemical defences are activated and regulated will help foresters select trees for replanting that are genetically superior.” Learn more about Dr. Constabel's research.