Ken K.-C. Yeung Associate Professor B.Sc., Ph.D., Calgary NSERC PDF, Stanford and Alberta Office: Med Sci Bldg 374, Lab 373 (519) 661-2111 ext 86439
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Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry & Separations and Mass Spectrometry
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Current Research Programs:
Even the latest analytical technologies are very limiting in detecting proteins at trace level (below femto-moles). As a result, a significant portion of the proteins in our bodies have not been identified, including many that could be very important targets for diagnostic/prognostic and therapeutic studies. In this group, a main research goal is to develop novel analytical methodologies which will enable the analysis for proteins at ultra trace level. The approach is to use capillary electrophoresis as a nano-liter volume sample preparation station, in which multiple-step purification and preconcentration can be performed prior to detection with state-of-the-art mass spectrometry.
Recent developments in this group include the selective extraction of phosphorylated peptides and analysis at low atto-mole level; and the protein enrichment at very low volume (uL to nL) using a solution junction of differential pH. In addition to these methodology development, applications in studying disease-related proteins are also underway. A particular interest is in the detection of protein phosphorylation. Phosphorylation is one of the most important post translational modifications involv ed in many cellular regulatory mechanisms and transduction pathways. Uncontrolled phosphorylation has been linked to the development of many diseases including cancer. A long term research goal is to utilize the new methodologies to advance phospho-protein research in life sciences.
Selected Publications:
"Nanoliter-Volume Protein Enrichment, Tryptic Digestion, and Partial Separation based on Isoelectric Points for MALDI-MS”, Chandra A. Nesbitt, Kristina Jurcic and Ken K.-C. Yeung. Electrophoresis (2008) Vol. 29, pages 466-474.
“Selective Injection of Multiply Phosphorylated Peptides by Capillary Electrophoresis for Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Analysis”, Jennifer N.M. Ballard, Gilles A. Lajoie and Ken K.-C. Yeung. Journal of Chromatography A (2007) Vol. 1156, pages 101-110.
“An Integrated Procedure of Selective Injection, Sample Stacking and Fractionation of Phospho-peptides for MALDI MS Analysis”, Haixia Zhang, Graeme K. Hunter, Harvey A. Goldberg, Gilles A. Lajoie and Ken K.-C. Yeung. Analytica Chimica Acta (2007) Vol. 581, pages 268-280.
“Characterization of Discontinuous Buffer Junctions using pH Indicators in Capillary Electrophoresis for Protein Preconcentration”, Kristina Jurcic, Chandra A. Nesbitt and Ken K.-C. Yeung. Journal of Chromatography A (2006) Vol. 1134, pages 317-325.
“Selective Sampling of Phosphopeptides for Highly Sensitive Detection by MALDI Mass Spectrometry”, Haixia Zhang, Cunjie Zhang, Gilles A. Lajoie and Ken K.-C. Yeung. Analytical Chemistry (2005) Vol. 77, pages 6078-6084.
