David Arnott

As one of the principal investigators in the Microchemistry and Proteomics laboratory, my work is heavily technology-focused and includes (first and foremost) mass spectrometry, protein and peptide separations, chemical and enzymatic manipulation, and the repertoire of informatics tools necessary to make sense of complex and multidimensional measurements. My group puts these tools of the trade to use in collaborative research with other Genentech scientists on a variety of biochemical processes and disease areas in the pursuit of new drugs and drug targets.

In common with the other MPL investigators, I use the general proteomic approaches of protein identification, quantitation, and posttranslational modification mapping at levels of complexity from single proteins to whole organs, with most work being done on cultured cells. A specific focus of my groups for several years has been epigenetic research, which we support in multiple ways, but most importantly through the quantitation of histone posttranslational modifications, whose variety and combinatorial complexity pose a stimulating challenge. Other technology interests of mine include large-scale targeted protein detection and quantitation, and applications of mass spectrometry to protein structural analysis.

• University of Virginia, Ph.D. in Chemistry – 1994
• Genentech Inc., Protein Chemistry Postdoctoral Fellow – 1994
• University of Delaware, B.A. in Philosophy – 1989
• University of Delaware, B.S. in Chemistry – 1989