Current Research Focus

The current projects of the group can be summarised as follows, with some of the more common technologies and sample matrices highlighted:

  • The immuno-metabolic characterisation of HIV infection, latency and disease progression (Dr. Aurelia Williams)
  • Metabolic profiling of HIV-associated genes
  • The metabolomics of HIV and associated comorbidities (e.g. cardiovascular disease)
  • Metabolomics investigation of blood tube components
    • Serum/plasma analysis
    • Cell lines
    • GCxGC-TOFMS, LC-MS, and 1H-NMR metabolomics

 

  • Metabolomics of HIV, TB, and HIV/TB coinfection (Dr. Laneke Luies)
    • Urine and serum (blood) analysis
    • GCxGC-TOFMS, LC-MS, and 1H-NMR metabolomics
    • Better our understanding of HIV, TB and HIV/TB coinfection via metabolic characterisation, to aid with the improvement of current diagnostic and treatment approaches

 

  • Neuroinflammatory-associated metabolism and metabolomics of TB meningitis (Dr. Shayne Mason)
    • Cerebrospinal fluid, urine, and brain tissue analysis
    • 1H-NMR and GCxGC-TOFMS metabolomics
    • Improve upon the understanding of metabolic characterisation, earlier diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of TB meningitis in the paediatric population

 

  • Metabolomics of TB drugs (Prof. Du Toit Loots, Dr. Ilse Du Preez, and Dr. Adetomiwa Adeniji)
    • Cell culture and urine analysis
    • GCxGC-TOFMS metabolomics
    • Determine the effectiveness, toxicity, and the mechanism of action of directly observed short-course treatment, anti-TB investigational compounds and potential anti-TB repurposed antibiotics

 

  • Metabolomics of sporting activities and recovery (Prof. Du Toit Loots, Dr. Laneke Luies, and Dr. Zinandré Stander)
    • Serum sample analysis
    • GCxGC-TOFMS and 1H-NMR metabolomics
    • Elucidate the effects induced by a marathon and the unaided as well as beetroot-aided recovery thereof

 

  • TB/diabetes comorbidity metabolomics (Prof. Du Toit Loots, Dr. Shayne Mason, and Dr. Zinandre Stander)
    • Urine analysis
    • GCxGC-TOFMS and 1H-NMR metabolomics
    • Characterisation of TB/diabetes comorbidity metabolic profiles and elucidation of the interlinking nature (metabolic) between these underlying diseases