The Johnson Laboratory

The Johnson Laboratory aims to develop a deeper understanding of sex-specific differences in metabolism that influence colorectal cancer etiology, progression, and response to therapeutics. In addition, our research integrates metabolomics analysis with studies on environmental exposures, birth cohorts, early-onset cancers, and microbiome, to understand biological responses to exposures in various contexts.

Our lab has developed several analytical and bioinformatic protocols to enable a comprehensive analysis of the metabolome using high resolution mass spectrometry. Most recently we have optimized protocols for normalization of metabolites in various matrices from clinical samples, including dried blood spots and urine. Using computational tools and orthogonal biological techniques, we also investigate and manipulate metabolic pathways to gain insight into physiological responses.