Leesa Deterding

Mass Spectrometry Group

Leesa J. Deterding, Ph.D.
Staff Scientist

Tel (919) 541-3009
Fax (919) 541-0220
deterdi2@niehs.nih.gov P.O. Box 12233
Mail Drop F0-03
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
Delivery Instructions

My major research interests are primarily focused on the application of mass spectrometric techniques to questions in structural biology. Most recently, the focus of my research efforts are directed to understanding the mechanisms for the development of the autoimmune disease, Sjogren�s syndrome. These studies involve the tertiary structural characterization of the antigens associated with this autoimmune disease and their interactions with other biomolecules. As an extension of this work, quantitative proteomics of patient samples are being investigated in an effort to discover biomarkers for the early diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of this disease.

Additionally, my research efforts include characterization of the tertiary structure of proteins, determination of the sites of in vitro and in vivo modifications of proteins, the interactions of proteins with other biomolecules and the identification of protein complexes via immunoprecipitates. Collectively, mass spectrometric-based approaches are currently being applied to the following research areas:

• Structural characterization of autoantigens and their biomolecular interactions
• Determining the extent of, changes in and sites of phosphorylation of proteins
• Determining the mechanisms of free radical formation on proteins as a result of oxidative stress
• Characterizing biomolecular interactions of proteins

Leesa J. Deterding, Ph.D., is a staff scientist in the Mass Spectrometry Group within the Laboratory of Structural Biology. She earned her B.A. degree in chemistry and math from Hastings College, her M.S. degree in chemistry from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Ph.D. in chemistry from North Carolina State University.

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