Summary
- Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nicholas Borotto
- Research Topic: Advancing Protein Analysis: A Rapid Ozone Labeling Technique for Probing GLP-1 Interactions
- New Scholar: 2025 Cohort
- Graduating with a Baccalaureate Degree: Fall 2026
Abstract
Many life-threatening diseases are related to proteins and their interactions within the body. Research using mass spectrometry has been used to characterize, sequence, quantify, and annotate protein status, with different methodologies utilized for specific purposes. However, due to proteins frequently and quickly fluctuating in conformation, many of these methodologies result in inaccurate identification of these molecules. This study aims to examine a rapid method of labeling peptides using an electrospray ionization source. Using GLP-1 drugs and GLP-1 receptors as the proteins in question, it aims to identify the interaction of peptide therapeutics with their targets. This may introduce a more efficient technique to assess binding between substrates and potentially develop new alternative medications.