Modulation of biomarkers in sebum with age

We have developed method to find biomarkers for Parkinson's disease (PD) in sebum which we wish to extend to explore ageing more generally. A sebum sample collected non-invasively, transported in ambient conditions can be directly introduced to mass spectrometer and diagnostic results can be produced in ~5 minutes (rapid targeted) or 30 mins (discovery). For discovery work, we have shown that we can use thermal desorption coupled to mass spectrometry (TD-MS) to identify volatile odorous, diagnostic biomarkers, 1even from prodromal undiagnosed patients. For rapid targeted analysis we have developed paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) for analysis wherein sebum collected non-invasively from the patient on a 'q-tip'. This lipid-rich waxy sebum is, in the lab, transferred to a small piece of paper.2 The analytes present on this paper can be directly introduced for MS diagnosis. Using machine learning algorithms, we can distinguish chemical signatures measured by each method to separate PD from control with >85% accuracy.
This project will improve on these proof-of-concept studies by refining the sample introduction method, data analysis, and broadening the scope to consider if this method is able to stratify PD, to be used for prodromal detection (prior to motor symptoms) and to distinguish between other neurodegenerative diseases, (including multiple system atrophy). You will be responsible for combining patient meta data with mass spectrometry data, to tune our machine learning algorithms. Working with the industrial project partners Calico. the student will develop a rapid diagnostic test for biomarkers from sebum with ion mobility mass spectrometry.
You will join the Michael Barber Centre for Collaborative Mass spectrometry where there are six mass spectrometry research groups, well supported by technical staff and working with a suite of state of the art mass spectrometers as well as the required data analysis tools