Proteomics
Proteomics is the large-scale study of proteins, which are the workhorses of the cell. Proteins are responsible for a wide range of cellular functions, including metabolism, signaling, and cell structure. Proteomics can be used to study protein sets in a cell, tissue, or organism, with single cell or even sub-cellular resolution.
Mass spectrometry based proteomics is a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of applications in clinical and basic science. In clinical settings, proteomics can be used to diagnose diseases, stratify patients, monitor disease progression, and develop new treatments. In basic science, proteomics can be used to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of disease, identify new drug targets, and develop new drugs.
One of the strengths of modern proteomics is its ability to study the proteome in a comprehensive and quantitative way. This is possible because proteomics technologies have advanced to the point where it is possible to identify and quantify thousands of proteins in a single experiment comprising hundreds to thousands samples using newest high-throughput technologies.
Another strength of modern proteomics is its ability to study proteins and their interactions. This is important because proteins can undergo changes in their structure and function when they are modified in the cell and as a result of a stimulus. The study of proteins interactions with other proteins and chemical compounds can inform drug development and guide AI-driven molecular optimisation of binding specificity and affinity.
Proteomics can be used for drug discovery in a variety of ways. One way is to use proteomics to identify proteins that are involved in disease. Once these proteins have been identified, they can be targeted by drugs. For example, proteomics was used to identify the protein HER2, which is over-expressed in breast cancer cells. This led to the development of the drug Herceptin, which is a targeted therapy for breast cancer.
Another way that proteomics can be used for drug discovery is to identify proteins that are involved in drug resistance. For example, proteomics was used to identify proteins that are involved in the development of resistance to the drug imatinib, which is used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia. This led to the development of new drugs that can overcome this resistance.
Proteomics can also be used for target discovery. Target discovery is the process of identifying proteins that are potential drug targets. Proteomics can be used to identify proteins that are involved in disease, that are over-expressed in disease, or that are involved in drug resistance. Once these proteins have been identified, they can be further studied to determine if they are viable drug targets.
However, modern proteomics also has some limitations. One limitation is that it can be expensive and time-consuming to perform proteomics experiments. Another limitation is that proteomics data can be complex and difficult to interpret. This is because proteins can interact with each other in a variety of ways, and these interactions can affect the expression and function of proteins. Therefore it is critical to understand these limitations during experimental planning and developing assays.
As proteomics technologies continue to improve, it is likely that proteomics will play an even greater role in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.