Garcia uses mass spectrometry
to unravel the human epigenome
When Benjamin Garcia was introduced to mass spectrometry as an undergraduate researcher in Carlito Lebrilla’s lab at the University of California, Davis, he thought it was an “interesting and useful analytical technique,” he said. Little did he guess the central role it would play throughout his research career.
“Lebrilla was an amazing mentor,” Garcia said. “Despite my limited knowledge in analytical chemistry, he treated me like a regular member of the group. I had the opportunity to collaborate with different researchers and meet future mentors. I enjoyed the scientific discovery process and decided to apply to graduate school.”
His timing could not have been better. In the early 2000s, the human genome just had been sequenced, and Garcia became interested in investigating the various proteins encoded by genes.
“Proteomics research was in its infancy, and MS opened up a lot of opportunities to explore the area,” he said. His interest in the subject led him to pursue doctoral research with Don Hunt at the University of Virginia.
Under the guidance of Hunt, whom he described as “brilliant and visionary,” Garcia studied tandem mass spectrometry of complex biological mixtures. By the time he earned his Ph.D. in chemistry in 2005, he was fully immersed in the field of proteomics.
“And after that, there was no looking back,” he said with a laugh.
Over the years, Garcia has established himself as a leader in mass spectrometry and proteomics. He serves on the editorial boards of several scientific journals, including Molecular & Cellular Proteomics, and has received numerous awards, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.
Excited by the progress being made in large-scale omics, Garcia said he hopes scientists can apply their knowledge to eventually “reprogram a diseased epigenome” in various diseases.
Besides his regular responsibilities as a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, Garcia develops programs that support diversity and underrepresented minority scientists at the university. As the leader of a large and productive research group, he believes mentorship is a key aspect of scientific discovery.
“As a PI, the most enriching experience has been training and mentoring researchers from different walks of life,” he said.
Advanced MS approaches to elucidate the “diseased” epigenome
Benjamin Garcia’s research group has developed novel methodologies for MS analysis of histones for application in post-translational modifications and systems epigenetics. Their most recent approach shows promise in the analysis of isolated histones from human clinical samples. Advantages over standard proteomics experiments include its quicker sample run time and improved quantification.
The group has used MS for high-throughput global profiling of histone post-translational modifications to better understand several cellular mechanisms and diseases. For example, they recently unraveled how recurrent loss-of-function alterations in polycomb-repressive complex 2, a histone-modifying complex, drive the formation of cancer cells in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, an aggressive sarcoma.
The group’s findings will help identify several epigenetic targets. The long-term goal is to treat diseases with histone-modifying enzymes or targeted small-molecule inhibitors.
Enjoy reading ASBMB Today?
Become a member to receive the print edition four times a year and the digital edition monthly.
Learn moreGet the latest from ASBMB Today
Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.
Latest in People
People highlights or most popular articles
Richard Silverman to speak at ASBMB 2025
Richard Silverman and Melissa Moore are the featured speakers at the ASBMB annual meeting to be held April 12-15 in Chicago.
Women’s History Month: Educating and inspiring generations
Through early classroom experiences, undergraduate education and advanced research training, women leaders are shaping a more inclusive and supportive scientific community.
ASBMB honors Lawrence Tabak with public service award
He will deliver prerecorded remarks at the 2025 ASBMB Annual Meeting in Chicago.
ASBMB names 2025 JBC/Tabor Award winners
The six awardees are first authors of outstanding papers published in 2024 in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Daniel N. Hebert (1962–2024)
Daniel Hebert’s colleagues remember the passionate glycobiologistscientist, caring mentor and kind friend.
In memoriam: Daniel N. Hebert
He was a professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who discovered the glycan code that facilitates protein folding, maturation and quality control in the endoplasmic reticulum.