The Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine is a key element of the Life Sciences initiative in the College of Science. Proteomics -- the study of proteins, how they communicate and interact, and how those actions impact biology -- is the new frontier in molecular medicine.

CAPMM scientists identify and decode the cryptic messages hidden deep inside the human proteome that are critical links to early disease detection and patient-tailored treatment. Working with clinical investigators from health care partners and industry collaborators, their goal is to accelerate innovative laboratory discoveries into clinical research at the bedside, which holds the promise of individually tailored therapies and personalized disease management for patients, and the discovery of biomarkers for early disease detection.

Research focuses on three specific areas:

• the discovery and evaluation of biomarkers for early disease detection and risk assessment;
• the analysis of molecular pathways in diseased tissue to determine personalized, targeted treatment for patients; and
• the development and use of nanotechnology to synergize with proteomic tools for new types of biosensors, nanoparticles for biomarker discovery, and nanoelectronics.

New therapies and diagnostics developed through CAPMM alliances directly apply to oncology, cardiology, diabetes, and obesity, as well as liver, ocular, neurodegenerative, and infectious diseases.