Research in the Center will focus on the discovery and identification of biomarkers for early disease detection and risk assessment and the analysis of molecular pathways in diseased tissue to determine individualized and targeted treatment for patients. Results of the research will then be translated directly into patient management and care through clinical research and innovative clinical trials, with a vision toward creating a new paradigm to personalize medical treatment resulting in a positive impact on public health.

Research is conducted in three primary labs. The Protein Array Lab uses laser capture microdissection systems, protein microarrayers and robotic autostainers to prepare protein arrays for use in the analysis of tissue samples for protein biomarkers. The Mass Spectrometry Lab uses chromatography and electrophoresis systems to separate the components of tissue and serum samples for mass spectral analysis which ultimately leads to protein identifications. The pending CAP/CLIA puts the proteomic tools and theories into a hospital diagnostics facility to use directly in the treatment of patients.