The research focus of the Schmidt laboratory is on the development of novel proteomics-related methods for the identification and quantification of proteins for the analysis of disease-specific markers. In addition, a further focus is on the development and application of new generation multiplex analysis tools for the quantification of low-copy proteins and specific antibodies (immunoproteomics). Both approaches are designed to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying dysfunction in various human diseases. The results of such analyses can be used to discover new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and to define new drug targets.
One of the applications at Schmidt lab is the use of proteomics and immunoproteomics in diabetes. Every year, about 350 million people worldwide are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, for example. Genes play an important role in this, the connection with overweight has also been established for a long time, but there is another connection: bacteria. The toxins produced by pathogenic bacteria cause classic diabetes symptoms in the long term: insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and inflammation. It has already been established that overweight people have an increased number of bacteria that promote this condition. In fact, the toxins of the bacteria act most strongly on the fat cells and irritate the immune system, leading to a permanent inflammatory condition. Immunoproteomics is used to identify specific antibodies that correlate with the progression of the disease. This information can later be used to change the course of the disease by targeted measures against the bacteria involved.