R. Reid Townsend
Washington University in St. Louis, University of Missouri–St. Louis
Papers
2
Total Citations
198
H-Index
2
About
R. Reid Townsend is a leading figure in proteomics and mass spectrometry, with a career dedicated to unraveling the molecular complexity of the central nervous system and membrane proteins. His research centers on developing and applying advanced mass spectrometric methods for deep protein sequencing, particularly for low-abundance, integral membrane proteins and complex biofluids. A major contribution is his pioneering work on the GABAA receptor, where he achieved deep amino acid sequencing of this critical neurotransmitter target using high-resolution mass spectrometry, overcoming significant challenges in solubilizing and analyzing hydrophobic transmembrane domains. This work, cited over 80 times, has provided foundational insights into receptor structure and function. Townsend is also renowned for his landmark 2005 study on human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which systematically characterized intra- and interindividual proteomic variation—a critical step for biomarker discovery in Alzheimer’s disease and other CNS disorders. With over 118 citations, this study established essential baselines for clinical proteomics. Through these contributions, Townsend has advanced the frontiers of neuroproteomics and membrane protein analysis, enabling new avenues for understanding disease mechanisms and identifying therapeutic targets.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 2