Background

The research in Prasad lab focusses on the prediction of inter-individual differences in drug disposition and response. Prasad lab utilizes quantitative mass spectrometry (targeted and untargeted proteomics and metabolomics) to quantify drug metabolizing enzymes, transporters and endogenous metabolites in human tissues and biofluids. These data along with genomics information and in vitro data are integrated into physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models to predict variability in drug and endobiotic disposition. The integrated genomics-proteomics-metabolomics approach is further applied to discover specific biomarkers of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters for predicting disposition and response of xeno- and endo-biotics in special populations such as pediatrics where clinical data are not generally available. For more information, please see ‘Drug dosing for children‘.

 

Research problem: Lack of translation from bench-to-bedside

 

Research focus: Quantitative proteomics informed PBPK modeling 

• What we do?
  • We develop non-invasive methods for predicting interindividual variability in drug metabolism, transport, and pharmacokinetics.
  • Utilizing precise proteomics technique, we quantify drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters in human and animal tissues and biofluids, providing insights into in vivo activity and predicting interindividual differences.
  • Through quantitative metabolomics, we measure endogenous substrates of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters in human and animal tissues and biofluids, serving as biomarkers for in vivo enzyme and transporter activity.
  • By merging quantitative proteomics, metabolomics, and genomics data, we construct physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models to mechanistically anticipate interindividual diversity in drug pharmacokinetics.
• What is our major focus?
  • Interindividual variability in drug metabolism and transport
  • Development of multi-omics approaches for non-invasive prediction of drug pharmacokinetics and safety
  • Non-cytochrome P450 proteins (enzymes and transporters) involved in drug disposition
  • Metabolism-transport interplay
• Where is the major application of our research?
• Our research holds significance in predicting drug disposition and interactions, including drug-drug and drug-exposome interactions, within specific populations such as children, where conducting clinical trials is not typically feasible.