Dr. Feng, a postdoctoral researcher in the Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Vienna, starts the conversation by providing an overview of the Human Genome Project and explaining why it is essential to look beyond the genome to gain a comprehensive understanding of biology. With a clear passion for proteomics, he discusses advanced tools used to study proteins, focusing on the power of mass spectrometry. He highlights the latest developments in the field, including high-throughput techniques and the emerging role of single-cell proteomics in uncovering the complexity of systems such as the microbiome, as well as challenging samples like faeces and blood. He also illustrates the real-world impact of proteomics across multiple disciplines, including pharmaceutical and nutritional sciences, and shares everyday examples of how proteomic techniques can be used to profile food allergies. If you are fascinated by recent advancements and technical innovations in metaproteomics, don't miss this insightful conversation with Dr. Feng, who has over a decade of expertise in the field.

Take a look at his recent article in Nature Communications: Xian, F., Brenek, M., Krisp, C. et al. Ultra-sensitive metaproteomics redefines the dark metaproteome, uncovering host-microbiome interactions and drug targets in intestinal diseases. Nat Commun 16, 6644 (2025).

Guest: Feng Xian, postdoctoral researcher in the Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Vienna. Hosts: Hari Baskar Balasubramanian (PhD candidate) and Ranjith Kumar Ravi Kumar (postdoctoral researcher), both from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Recording and editing: Anar Batzorig (PhD candidate), Department of Nutritional Sciences.