Maggy Lépine, PhD

Post-doctoral fellow in the bioanalytical laboratory of Pr Lekha Sleno at UQAM

Development of targeted quantitative methods for the analysis of human tears by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract

Tear proteomics is a new approach used to study variations in the tear proteome. These proteins play an important role in ocular health, where a change in the quantity and quality of proteins at the ocular surface may correlate with a specific disease. However, before studying these diseases, it is important to characterize the normal variations caused by the different stimuli to which the ocular surface is exposed, to maintain health and homeostasis. The aim of this research project is to develop a non-invasive robust and sensitive analytical approach using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry to identify and quantify proteins in human tears to assess variations in the tear proteome. Tear samples were subjected to bottom-up proteomics and LC-MS/MS analysis was developed for optimal identification of ocular proteins. Untargeted data-dependent analysis was used to establish a comprehensive database of the various proteins found in tear fluid. The development of targeted methods was then used to evaluate proteome variations in individuals without ocular surface pathology. The study of variations healthy volunteers helps better characterize the dynamism of biological pathways in the tear proteome, and thus the possibility of prioritizing potential proteins of interest in the context of disease biomarkers. A workflow combining non-targeted quantitative SWATH analysis and targeted MRM analysis was developed for the selection and verification of potential biomarkers in patient samples suffering from two eye diseases: Sjögren’s syndrome and mucous membrane pemphigoid. These diseases identified a list of 64 and 44 biomarkers of interest, respectively, involved in several biological pathways. Methods developed in this project could be useful for studying other eye diseases, enabling us not only to better diagnose patients but also help to identify the stage and predict disease progression to optimize new therapeutic approaches for treating affected patients.

 Biosketch

Maggy received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) in Mass Spectrometry. She also completed her bachelor’s and master’s studies in biochemistry at UQAM. Her graduate studies have focused on developing highly sensitive and selective LC-MS/MS workflows for quantification. She is currently a post-doctoral fellow in the bioanalytical laboratory of Pr Lekha Sleno at UQAM where she is responsible for research activities involving the development of quantitative proteomic assays from a wide range of sample types, as well as being involved in the coordination of collaborations and new research projects.

Date
Date(s) - November 28, 2024
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Emplacement / Location
Université de Montréal - Campus MIL (Beer and pizza at 18h, conference at 19h in A-4502)