Reflections on 40 Years of Research

Abstract

The focus of my research was snake venom research and application of Raman spectroscopy for the biological compounds. In snake venom research, the emphasis was on hemorrhagic toxins, myonecrotic toxins from rattlesnake venoms, and postsynaptic neurotoxins from sea snake venoms. Structure–function relationship of these toxins was pursued using different methods such as biochemical, immunological, electronmicroscopy, biophysical, physiological, and pathological techniques. Many pure components were isolated and their amino acid sequences and biochemical properties were studied. Since a Raman spectrometer was purchased in 1976, it was possible to examine many biological compounds by Raman spectroscopy. Peptide backbone conformation and some side chain microenvironment of many proteins, kidney stones, and gallstones, etc. were examined by Raman scattering method. Raman spectroscopy can identify many biological compounds directly by focusing laser light without using wet chemical analysis. I was extremely fortunate to receive large sums of research grants from many agencies: National Institutes of Health, Office of Naval Research, U. S. Army, Food and Drug Administration, Colorado Heart Association, and others. In total ∖5.5 million were awarded in 40 years. With this financial assistance and many students' and postdoctoral fellows' work, I was able to publish over 260 original papers. I am thankful for all of this assistance.