Mononuclear phagocytes develop from blood monocytes.  They briefly circulate in the bloodstream before infiltrating a specific tissue.  Once there they differentiate into one of the many tissue specific types of macrophage.  In contrast to monocytes, macrophages have a long life span and display great functional heterogeneity between tissue type and location.  Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are the distinct macrophage phenotype with distinct physiological activities for the alveolar milieu.  We compare monocyte and macrophage proteomes in order to find differentially expressed, or modified proteins.  These proteins give us new insight into the biochemical mechanisms that drive the differentiation of monocytes into AMs.  We also use the differentially expressed proteins to better understand the biochemical mechanism underlying AM's functions.  To discover the proteome differences between blood monocytes and AMs we employ two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis and SELDI TOF MS (Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption and Ionisation Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry).  This global approach generates new footholds in novel branches of macrophage molecular pathways, thereby increasing the breadth of knowledge about AM.  Our work aims to  provide a basis for translational research, and a new, more comprehensive understanding of the AM.

  Click Here for an Example of Sub-proteomics

Click Here for an Example of Phospho-Specific Proteomics