We develop and apply innovative mass spectrometry (MS) technologies, bioinformatics tools, and methodologies to transform our understanding of cell surface glycoproteins and glycans and answer outstanding questions in stem cell biology and cardiac physiology & disease. We focus on the subset of molecules localized to the cell surface (i.e. the surfaceome), including transmembrane, GPI-anchored, and ECM proteins and glycans because these can be optimally exploited for immunophenotyping, drug targeting, and are critical players in normal cardiac function and disease.

Working at the interface of cellular and molecular cardiac physiology, analytical chemistry, and stem cell biology, our research studies the human heart in health and disease using primary human heart tissue, isolated human heart cells, and pluripotent stem cell derivatives. The major tools in our toolbox include protein biochemistry, mass spectrometry, proteomics, metabolomics, glycoproteomics, glycomics, chromatography, immunofluorescence imaging, and flow cytometry.

Gundry lab mentees at the graduate student and post-doctoral level do all their own stunts. In short, mentees gain experience in all aspects of their projects - from sample generation (either cell culture or tissue isolation) to sample preparation for mass spectrometry, data acquisition (mass spectrometry and flow cytometry) all the way through to data analysis and bioinformatic processing for interpretation. We believe that hands-on experience in both the biological and analytical aspects provides tremendous benefits and opportunities for insights not otherwise likely.