What is Proteomics?
Proteomics is the study of the structure and function of all expressed proteins in an organism or cell type at a specific time. The proteome is highly dynamic: protein expression, post-translational modifications, variants, isoforms, and localization can vary depending on the biological context, including cell type or tissue and interference with other biomolecules, such as drugs. These variations determine a protein’s biological activity. Therefore, studying the proteome provides insights into the “real-time” physiological status of an organism.
MS-based Proteomics Insights
One of the most powerful analytical techniques in proteomics for drug development today is mass spectrometry (MS). MS-based proteomics studies can help:
- Uncover new proteins associated with pathological processes,
- Measure protein relative abundance, which can be used to infer drug efficacy and safety,
- Assess not just the proteins of interest, but other proteins in the vicinity for a nonbiased view of the target’s interactome,
- Detect protein post-translational modifications to evaluate complex molecular effects or selectivity of a drug (e.g., phosphoproteomics can detect signaling pathway activation).
Using Proteomics for Drug Discovery and Development
Proteomics insights are used to advance drug discovery and development in multiple ways. These include:
- Deciphering disease mechanisms and progression,
- Identifying more reliable therapeutic targets,
- Diagnosing and monitoring disease,
- Evaluating drug efficacy and safety,
- Defining sub-populations of patients most likely to respond to treatment,
- and more.
MS-based experiments provide a variety of insights on proteins that can translate into multiple R&D applications.