Washington Chromatography Discussion Group (WCDG) meets monthly from September to May. Meetings are currently being held virtually.
April Meeting
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April 19, 2021 from 2-3 PM
Speaker: Stefani Thomas, University of Minnesota
Title: Beyond the BRCA genes: A proteome-centric view of high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Abstract: The mutational status of a solid tumor can predict the therapeutic efficacy of a specific drug in a molecularly defined subset of patients. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) have emerged as a novel class of drugs to treat advanced ovarian cancer with mutations in BRCA1/2 genes. Unfortunately, there is considerable inter-patient heterogeneity in BRCA1/2–based determinations of PARPi treatment sensitivity. Determining proteome-level mechanisms of PARPi sensitivity could enhance our ability to select the ovarian cancer patient population that would benefit the most from PARPi therapy, consequently improving survival and overall treatment response. Our laboratory is applying mass spectrometry-based proteomics to identify protein signatures of PARPi sensitivity. This presentation will provide an overview of the experimental models and analytical approaches that we are utilizing toward a long-term goal of identifying prognostic protein biomarkers of PARPi sensitivity in patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
May Meeting
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May 19, 2021
Speaker: Roland F. Hirsch
Title: How Analytical Chemistry, and especially Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry, is enabling progress in understanding climate
Abstract: The Earth’s climate is a highly complex system. There is an urgent need for more accurate information about past climate and improved knowledge about the factors that influence climate today, in order to develop plausible models of future climate. Analytical chemistry, which plays a key role in studying past temperatures, rainfall, extent of ice and glaciers, and other relevant climate properties, is essential for gaining knowledge about climate-related processes that are occurring now in the atmosphere (such as formation and impact of aerosols). Mass spectrometry is the key technique for most of these studies. Chromatography, both gas and liquid, is also essential for many of these studies, usually in combination with mass spectrometry. This talk will discuss how these techniques are being used in climate research. Examples will be provided from the scientific literature.
Bio: Roland F. Hirsch lives in Overland Park, Kansas, with his wife of 49 years, Paula Jean. He received his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Michigan. He joined the chemistry faculty of Seton Hall University, where he taught courses in general chemistry and analytical chemistry. In 1975-6 he was a Senior Visitor with Courtney Phillips at Oxford University, studying gas-solid chromatography. In 1984 he joined the Department of Energy as a program manager for analytical and separations chemistry. In 1988 he joined the civil service at NIH and in 1991 became a staff member at the DOE. He retired in 2018 and moved from Maryland to Kansas. He is a Fellow of the ACS, Honorary Fellow of the Library of America, and has been involved in ACS governance in the North Jersey Local Section and the Division of Analytical Chemistry.
New to analytical chemistry or looking to sharpen your skills? Visit NIST’s site for videos and PowerPoints on Tutorials in Analytical Chemistry