Overview
We develop and apply mass spectrometry techniques to address biochemical and biomedical questions that are lipid-related. Research projects include:
1) Structural lipidomics
o Develop and apply high resolution tandem mass spectrometry-based lipidomics for the discovery, structural elucidation and functional study of novel lipids.
2) Elucidation of novel pathways/enzymes of lipid biosynthesis and metabolism
o Genetic, biochemical and MS approaches are employed to identify the substrates and pathways involved in lipid biosynthesis and metabolism
3) Identification of lipid biomarkers of genetic diseases and cancers
o Provide molecular insights into the disease mechanisms, as well as to serve as the diagnostic and prognostic tools of diseases.
Current Duke Appointments & Affiliations
Recent Scholarly Works
Group B streptococcal membrane vesicles induce proinflammatory responses in neonatal meninges.
Journal article Infect Immun · July 14, 2026 Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus; GBS) is the leading cause of neonatal meningitis, resulting in morbidity and lasting neurological effects in survivors. GBS makes three unique glycolipids in their cell membrane, which we have previously sho ... Full text Link to item CiteThe DUF998 family protein DrmA modulates cationic glycolipid levels and the emergence of high-level daptomycin resistance in Enterococcus faecalis.
Preprint · July 7, 2026 Daptomycin resistance (DAP-R) in enterococci is associated with alterations in the membrane lipid composition. The membrane-bound protein MprF is responsible for the synthesis of amino acid-modified lipids in bacteria, and these modified lipids contribute ... Full text Link to item CiteCharacterization of age-related dolichol increases in the retina of the C57BL/6 mouse.
Journal article Sci Rep · December 29, 2025 Dolichol is a lipid uniquely important for retinal cells. Mutations affecting dolichol biosynthesis cause non-syndromic retinal degeneration. Aging is a major risk factor for leading causes of vision loss. We characterized age-related changes in dolichol l ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Calcineurin Control over Aspergillus fumigatus Antifungal Response Mechanisms
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Arkansas Children's Research Institute · 2024 - 2029Life Without LPS - Characterization of bacterial ceramide-phosphoglycerate
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · 2025 - 2028Identification and therapeutic application of endogenous tumor suppression activities in human breast milk
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2026 - 2028View All Grants