Dr. Xiuli Sun Publishes First Manuscript

Xiuli Sun’s ORAL BIO 08 research manuscript titled, "Activity-based mass spectrometric characterization of proteases and inhibitors in human saliva," has been selected for publication by Proteomics Clinical Applications.

This is the first manuscript that Dr. Sun has published as first author. The research for this manuscript was completed while Dr. Sun was pursuing her doctor of science degree at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine (BUGSDM). She worked closely with faculty of the Department of Periodontology and Oral Biology including Associate Professor Dr. Eva Helmerhorst, Professor and Chair Dr. Frank Oppenheim, and Assistant Professor Dr. Erdjan Salih. Following her graduation, Dr. Sun became a Research Associate in Dr. Oppenheim’s lab where she continues to explore this topic.

"My initial research established the presence of proteases and proteases inhibitors in saliva," said Dr. Sun. "In further research I hope to understand how the presence of both relates to oral health."

"I congratulate Dr. Sun on having her study accepted into this prestigious journal," said Dr. Helmerhorst. "She was an outstanding student and through her research she has identified a series of inhibitors, which could help regulate the overall salivary protease activities in saliva. This is important because, as we know in dentistry, mammalian and bacteria-derived enzymes play important roles in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and oral cancer."