Durham Reporter

Dr. Morgan Bailey, a research chemist at RTI, is working on proteomics to understand how proteins respond to environmental contaminants such as PFAS and microplastics. Proteomics, the large-scale study of the proteome, can provide significant insights into cellular processes related to diseases and metabolic issues.

Dr. Bailey explains that proteomics became more effective in the early 1990s with the use of mass spectrometry for protein identification. This technique has since improved in sensitivity and accuracy, allowing for complex protein mixture analysis. "Proteomics not only gives us information about which proteins are upregulated and downregulated but provides information on structural changes that help us better understand the molecular mechanisms of life," he says.

The applications of proteomics in human health are numerous. It can differentiate disease states through biomarker elucidation, identify protein targets for small molecule drugs used in cancer therapy, explore protein interactions with other biological macromolecules, and identify post-translational modifications that alter a protein's structure and function.

Dr. Bailey's interest in proteomics began with a curiosity about diseases affecting his family members. His undergraduate studies in chemistry led him to discover the importance of proteins in human health. Attending an American Chemical Society conference further inspired him to pursue a PhD in proteomics and mass spectrometry at Duke University.

At RTI, Dr. Bailey has reestablished and expanded the institute’s proteomics capabilities by developing a non-targeted quantitative bottom-up proteomics workflow using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). He is now focusing on targeted approaches to validate results from non-targeted analyses.

Currently, Dr. Bailey is applying these analyses to toxicological projects involving tire rubble particles' effects on human lung cell models and ephedra sinica's impact on liver cells. These studies aim to understand cellular responses to these substances.

Regarding emerging contaminants like PFAS and microplastics, Dr. Bailey emphasizes the need for research into their toxicological mechanisms. "We can use proteomics to elucidate protein markers to not only help us track exposure but also identify early signs of disease development from different exposure scenarios," he notes.

Looking ahead, Dr. Bailey hopes for advancements in obtaining more protein identifications quickly without sacrificing coverage depth or time efficiency. He also sees potential in using protein folding stability measurements alongside conventional expression level studies to better understand functional biomarkers within the proteome.