The Helm-Potts Labs
Fralin Biotechnology Center and the Department of Biochemistry,
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0346
|
|
Desiccation Tolerance of Extremophiles. Research is underway to understand the biochemical principles behind the ability of a wide variety of organisms to withstand complete removal of water from their cells. |
|
|
Biomimetic Cell and Tissue Stasis. A natural extension of extremophile desiccation tolerance is applying the approaches taken by these organisms to the preservation of mammalian cells and tissues, as well as biological products of use in the biomedical community. Prolonged viability of mammalian cells also has importance in the development of functionally robust biosensors. |
|
|
Protein Identification by LC-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. One of the core instruments in our laboratory is a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer. This tool is used at present to identify proteins of importance to extremophile desiccation tolerance and mammalian cell cycle control during desiccation stress. |