Eukaryotic phytoplankton cells contain spatially distinct organelles (e.g. nuclei, chloroplasts) that house the different proteins involved in metabolism. Knowledge of the subcellular locations of proteins and their proximity to other proteins / substrates is therefore crucial for understanding protein function within the context of metabolism. In this postdoc project, I am combining variations of “Localization of Organelle Proteins by Isotope Tagging” (LOPIT) methods with metalloprotein measurements to examine the proteomes and metal quotas of individual subcellular compartments in diatoms. Spatial knowledge of proteins can be used to gain deeper insight into novel protein function and intracellular elemental distribution, and will allow us to ask new questions about the interactions between proteins and metabolic rates.

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I am thankful to the Waller Lab and Kathryn Lilley's group from the University of Cambridge for sharing their LOPIT knowledge. 

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This project is still in its infancy. Stay tuned for more soon!