The Lab for Protein chemistry, Proteome analysis and Epigenetic signaling (PPES) is a cluster of three research teams: Protein Chemistry (S. Dewilde) Proteomics (X. Van Ostade) and Epigenetic Signaling (W. Vanden Berghe). The proteomics team focusses mainly on discovery and validation of protein biomarkers in body fluids (blood, saliva, urine, cervicovaginal fluid) from humans and animals (e.g. piglets). In collaboration with the PPES epigenetics team we also wish to understand the molecular mechanisms behind the strong cytotoxic effects of natural compounds extracted from plants (e.g. Withaferin A) by using differential- and chemoproteomics methods and bioinformatics tools like Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). In addition, for improved identification of biomarkers, new strategies that implement OBOC technology (One-Bead-One-Compound) are being investigated.

Apart from its own 2DLC-MS platform the lab has access to several state-of-the-art LC and MS instruments via the UA core facility Centre for Proteomics (CfP). Moreover, the PPES lab recently acquired a Pamgene station which is used for the determination of activated kinase and nuclear receptor interaction profiles from clinical samples.