Laura-Isobel McCall, Ph.D.
Pronouns: Laura-Isobel
Associate Professor of Bioanalytical Chemistry
College of Sciences
Department of Chemistry
SDSU
Primary Email: [email protected]
Building/Location
Geology Mathematics Computer Science - 213B
5500 Campanile Dr
San Diego,
CA
92182
Bio
The McCall laboratory uses cutting-edge analytical chemistry instrumentation to answer critical biological questions. Our main approach implements state-of-the-art ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). High-resolution MS/MS data is then analyzed using big data computational tools and novel metabolomics techniques such as molecular networking and fragmentation trees. We are particularly interested in understanding how small molecule spatial distribution relates to function, by integrating 3D modeling with our mass spectrometry data, an approach called “chemical cartography.” Alterations in chemical signaling and metabolism play key roles in disease progression and susceptibility. Small molecules also mediate the function of the microbiome, and human interactions with the environment. Our unique chemical cartography approach enables us to understand metabolism in its spatial context, providing us with novel insights into human physiology, host-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions, microbiome function, and human behavior. We also pursue translational applications of our work, using insights from our metabolomics datasets to create new diagnostic tests and to identify new targets for drug development.
Areas of Specialization
Bioanalytical Chemistry, Chemical Cartography, Mass Spectrometry, Metabolomics, Human Physiology, Host-Microbe Interactions, Microbe-Microbe Interactions, Microbiome Function, Human Behavior