Scientific Overview

General Overview

Brian Haab’s laboratory is developing and using novel protein analysis methods to identify and study protein abnormalities in the blood of cancer patients. The lab has developed several novel formats of protein microarrays, which enable the analysis of hundred of different proteins in small volumes on the surfaces of microscope slides. These methods have led to the identification of several proteins or protein forms that are present at high levels in pancreatic cancer patients. The lab is seeking to use the measurement of these protein abnormalities to develop blood tests for the early detection or more accurate diagnosis of cancer. In addition, certain proteins that are secreted from cancer cells may interact with the body to help cancers to progress. The lab is pursuing a better understanding those processes, which eventually may be harnessed to develop strategies to combat cancer progression.