Heck, Albert
The general research theme of the group of Heck at Utrecht University is to develop and implement innovative mass spectrometric methods for the more efficient and detailed characterization of proteins in relation to their biological function. The emphasis is on the structural characterization of proteins, including their post-translational modifications, as well as on the investigation of protein complexes and protein interactions. The group is technology driven and has contributed several innovative methods in quantitative proteomics introducing stable isotope labeling in model organisms such as Drosphila and C. elegans. Methods for charting the complexity of the proteome have been pioneerde, such as a novel strategy for phosphopeptide analysis based on TiO2 based affinity enrichment. More recently a method was developed that may revolutionize de novo proteomics analysis using a combination of a specific protease with electron transfer dissociation. Heck’s group is also well known for their work on the analysis by mass spectrometry of intact protein complexes, such as the RNA polymerases and whole viruses. Major biological issues addressed by the group involve human embryonic stem cells, early embryonic development, cardiovascular cAMP signaling, cancer, transcription, chaperones, and viral assembly.
E-mail address: a.j.r.heck@uu.nl
Link to (personal) website: here