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Venomics Research at the University of Ulster focuses on the isolation of novel bioactive peptides and small molecules from a variety of unusual biological sources. These include snake and scorpion venoms, amphibian defensive skin secretions and plants. The proteomics of rare human tumors and their cell lines are also of interest.

Our investigations rely heavily upon the use of state-of-the-art separation technologies such as multi-dimensional high performance liquid chromatography. An arsenal of mass spectrometric techniques are used for mass characterisation and MS/MS sequencing. Automated Edman degradation sequencing and solid phase peptide synthesis are also used.

The group has established collaborations with many groups throughout the world, most notably a very fruitful and rapidly expanding research link with the University of Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China.

News and Details of Our Most Recent Publications are Given Below

18th May 2009 Just published in the online version of Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry is our study on the mass spectrometric characterisation and quantitation of selected low molecular mass compounds from the venom of Haplopelma lividum (Theraphosidae). The work was done by Sara Moore during her PhD studies. Supervisors McClean, Gault and Smyth. 10.1002/rcm.4063

7th September 2007 Appearing in the Volume 6, Issue 9 (September 7, 2007)of Journal of Proteome Research is our third paper on the skin secretions of Phyllomedusa hypochondriails azurea. In this study twenty-two peptides, including 19 novel structures, were identified from six different structural classes, including tryptophyllins, dermorphins, and a novel group of peptides termed hyposins. The study demonstrates the power of this combined approach to mine the rich peptidome compliment of the amphibian defensive skin secretome. This work was done by Alan Thompson during his doctoral studies. Supervisors McClean, Bjourson and Shaw. doi:10.1021/pr0702666

20th June 2007 Aside from our research interests we have also undertaken consultancy work using the analytical facilties at our disposal. The Universtiy of Ulster's U2B University to Business magazine recently highlighted this aspect of our work. Please click the link below for more information. U2B Article: Skin Deep

28th May 2007 Just accepted for publication in Peptides is our second paper on the skin secretions of Phyllomedusa hypochondriails azurea. Here novel antimicrobial peptides from this specimen were identified by QToF MS/MS de novo sequencing and cDNA cloning along with bioactivity assays. This work was done by Alan Thompson during his doctoral studies. This paper appeared in the 'Top 25' most dowloaded papers in Peptides for July - September 2007. Supervisors McClean, Bjourson and Shaw. doi:10.1016/j.peptides.2007.01.001

1st April 2007 Appearing in the April 2007 (Issue 4) issue of Peptides is our paper 'Bradykinin-related peptides, including a novel structural variant, (Val1)-bradykinin, from the skin secretion of Guenther's frog, Hylarana guentheri and their molecular precursors.' Here novel antimicrobial peptides from this specimen were identified by QToF MS/MS de novo sequencing and cDNA cloning along with bioactivity assays. This work was done by Jianwu Zhou during his doctoral studies. Supervisors Bjourson, McClean and Shaw. doi:10.1016/j.peptides.2007.01.014

30th December 2006 Appearing in today's issue of Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry is our first paper on the skin secretions of Phyllomedusa hypochondriails azurea. Here novel bradykinin-related peptides from this specimen were identified by QToF MS/MS de novo sequencing and cDNA cloning. This work was done by Alan Thompson during his doctoral studies. Supervisors McClean, Bjourson and Shaw. doi:10.1002/rcm.2791

12th December 2006 Appearing in the December 2006 issue of Peptides is our paper 'Purification and characterization of novel antimicrobial peptides from the skin secretion of Hylarana guentheri.' Here novel antimicrobial peptides from this specimen were identified by QToF MS/MS de novo sequencing and cDNA cloning along with bioactivity assays. This work was done by Jianwu Zhou during his doctoral studies. This paper appeared in the 'Top 25' most dowloaded papers in Peptides for October - December 2006. Supervisors Bjourson, McClean and Shaw. doi:10.1016/j.peptides.2006.08.007

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Featured Researcher Profile

Dr Stephen McClean BSc, MRes, DPhil Lecturer in Proteomics | Full research profile... | The determination of peptides and small molecules by LC-quadrupole ion trap and QToF mass spectrometry. Other interests include MS/MS sequencing of peptides, Edman degradation sequencing, FMOC solid phase peptide peptide synthesis and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Protein identification is also of interest as is the construction of software tools for mass spectrometry data analysis.