Eloise Prieto, Ph.D.

Characterization of Archaeal Chromatin Dynamics. The problem of DNA compaction is a common issue across all living organisms, and one major method by which DNA is organized inside the cell while retaining accessibility is through the use of architectural proteins. Eukaryotes are known to rely on histones and bacteria rely on a family of proteins called nucleoid associated proteins. However, there is a lack of understanding of the mechanisms employed by archaea, the third domain of life, in packing their chromosomes into organized structures inside the cell. To address this, nanoscale and biochemical characterization of archaeal nucleoid proteins are being undertaken in the NBL to understand their role in genome organization. Through atomic force microscopy, nucleoprotein interactions can be visualized and quantified to elucidate the DNA binding properties of these key architectural proteins. These observations may aid in constructing models and unraveling key principles behind biological processes such as DNA folding.

Proteomics-based Biomarker Discovery. The NBL is also involved in the Clinical Proteomics for Cancer Initiative (CPCI), a project that aims to discover clinically relevant biomarkers and drug targets for non-small cell lung carcinoma in Filipino patients. The project adopts an integrative approach that combines histopathology, molecular biology, and proteomics to deepen our understanding of lung cancer tumorigenesis and drug resistance. To realize the project’s goals, the laboratory works in close collaboration with chemists, physicians, surgeons and other medical professionals from different institutions.