Proteomics

The pathway of proteome research includes:

• Protein separation 2DE or HPLC
• Protein identification (peptide mass fingerprint, Peptide TAG, sequencing).
• Protein characterisation (amino acid sequencing).
• Bioinformatics (cross reference of protein informatics with genomic databases).

Sample preparation and protein separation by two dimensional electrophoresis (2DE)

Proteome Sciences uses a proprietary sample preparation technique that allows specific cell types to be isolated from others, producing a relatively pure cell sample for proteome analysis. Suitable methods have also been developed to study particular subsets of cellular proteins that are considered to be important potential sources of relevant markers. Proteome Sciences uses advanced 2DE methods to produce high resolution, reproducible proteome maps of tissue and body fluids from normal and after treatments samples.

Protein identification using peptide mass fingerprinting and mass spectrometry

Protein patterns on 2DE gels are analysed using powerful image analysis techniques and software. Proteome maps are compared to detect proteins that are up or down regulated in different physiological states. These proteins are excised for identification and full characterisation, including the determination of post-translational modification, using peptide-mass fingerprinting and other mass spectrometry methods.

Bioinformatics technology for cross reference of protein informatics with genomic databases

Proteome data generated is entered in a databases and, in some cases, public databases. Analysis of the data and searches of proprietary and public protein and gene databases are coordinated using bioinformatics technology.

Applications

Proteomics is a scientific discipline which detects proteins that are associated with a physiological status by means of their altered levels of expression between control and disease states. It enables correlations to be drawn between the range of proteins produced by a cell or tissue and the initiation or progression of stress state. The protein markers identified by proteomics approach have a broad range of potential applications. They may be used for the development of new biomarkers or for study the function of a gene. Markers may also be used to monitor the effect of specific treatments or environment pollutants. The abundance of information provided by proteome research is entirely complementary with the genetic information being generated by genomic research. Proteomics will make a key contribution to the development of functional genomics. The combination of proteomics and genomics will play a major role in biomedical research and will have a significant impact on the development of the diagnostic, therapeutic and biomonitoring systems of the future.