Research Interests

Proteins are functional components of human biology and are involved in almost all physiological processes. We are interested in analyzing proteins circulating in blood plasma to gain systemic insights into human physiology and to achieve this, we develop and utilize multiplexed affinity-based methods. Our ambition is to contribute to a better understanding of how plasma proteins relate to health status and characterize the changes in plasma protein levels that occur due to disease.

Our work is centered around multiplexed immunoassays for exploring the plasma proteome. To map the differences and variations of proteins between individuals, health and disease states, my group is working on several interdisciplinary research projects. We develop and apply affinity assays across different disease areas such as cancer (e.g. prostate, breast, pancreas), thrombosis, diabetes, and wellness. Our affinity proteomic approach is driven by a careful study design (considering both patient and sample related information to avoid experimental bias) and appropriate data processing and analysis strategies downstream. Most of our assays are empowered the reagents generated by the Human Protein Atlas (nwww.proteinatlas.org), which enable us to examine many different proteins in a given sample. For validating our findings, we build and apply additional assays and technologies, ranging from novel dual capture assays, immuno-capture mass spectrometry, to automated sandwich assays.

In summary: We study the human plasma proteome using affinity-based methods to enhance biomarker discoveries, validation and integration from basic research towards clinical use. Our long-term objective is to design translational assays for clinically useful plasma proteins, which contribute to establishing tools for precision medicine.

Jochen Schwenk is also Director of the Plasma Profiling Facility.

Group members

MSc Annika Bendes, Research engineer
Dr. Cecilia Engel Thomas, Postdoc
MSc Cecilia Mattsson, Research engineer
MSc Matilda Dahle Research engineer
Dr. Mun-Gwan Hong, Data Analyst
Dr. Philippa Pettingill, Researcher and Head of Plasma Profiling National Facility
Dr. Ragna Häussler, Postdoc
Dr. Sanna Byström, Researcher, on leave
MSc Tea Dodig-Crnkovic, PhD student

Other
Emily Lorenzen (visiting PhD student, Rockefellar University), David Just (PhD student, Nilsson Lab)

Alumni
Dr. Claudia Fredolini (Postdoc), Dr. Arash Zandian (PhD student), Dr. Anna Häggmark-Månberg (PhD student), Dr. Mahya Dezfouli (PhD student), MSc Elin Birgersson (Research Engineer), Dr. Burcu Ayoglu (PhD student), Dr. Frauke Henjes (Postdoc), Dr. Ulrika Qundos (PhD student), Dr. Maja Neiman (PhD student), Dr. Spyros Darmanis (Postdoc), Dr. Björn Winckler (Postdoc)

Photo credit: Johan Rockberg