Jeff Charuk, Chief Scientist

Jeff Charuk obtained his Bachelor of Sciences degree in Chemistry from Brock University where he studied NMR and mass spectrometry with Steve Hartman and Jack Miller. He then completed both a Masters of Science degree in Biochemistry at the University of Saskatchewan and a Ph.D. in Neurology and Neurosurgery at McGill University under the direction of Paul C. Holland. Jeffrey’s post-graduate research work at the Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto resulted in the identification of genes responsible for 3 unique human diseases (Brody’s disease, CDGS and HEMPAS).  While he was a faculty member in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto (1991-1998), Jeffrey became internationally recognized for his research work on multidrug resistance and kidney function. Jeff’s ongoing collaborations with academic colleagues at the University of Toronto and the Tropical Medicine Unit of the University Health Network resulted in the awarding of a therapeutic patent for the treatment for chloroquine-resistant malaria infections. In 1998, Jeff set up the protein identification service within the Molecular Medicine Research Centre in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto.  In 2001 Jeff left his faculty position in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto to help co-found Quinto Therapeutics.  Quinto is working to commercialize surfactant therapies for the treatment of multidrug resistance problems associated with infectious disease and cancer.  In 2001, Jeff set up Larial Proteomics to provide bioanalytical support services to the fermentation, biotech and pharmaceutical sectors.  Larial has developed several proteomics-based technologies including a peptide replica cassette to enable rapid, cost-effective analyses of complex protein digests by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. RepliCass^TM technology permits the direct transformation of proteins resolved by gel electrophoresis into peptides arrayed on a MALDI compatible surface with retention of juxtaposition information. Jeff has recently founded RepliQuin Technologies Inc. as a commercialization vehicle for the RepliPlate^TM and RepliCass^TM high throughput proteomics technologies developed at Larial.  Jeffrey’s extensive background in cell biological and biochemical sciences coupled with his chemical, analytical and instrumentation capabilities provides Larial clients with sound strategies to move their R&D projects forward.