Display Settings:

Format

Send to:

Choose Destination

    Klin Padiatr. 2003 Nov-Dec;215(6):293-7.

    Proteomics: techniques and applications in cancer research.

    Schramm A, Apostolov O, Sitek B, Pfeiffer K, Stühler K, Meyer HE, Havers W, Eggert A.

    University Children's Hospital of Essen, Germany.

    Proteomics can be defined as functional analysis of the full set of proteins by high-throughput technologies in a given system. The workflow of proteomics is a multi-step process comprising sample preparation, separation, quantification and identification of proteins. Due to the high complexity of different protein species and the wide dynamic range of protein amount within a cell system it is necessary to apply appropriate analysis methods. One approach is to separate proteins first by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) according to charge and molecular weight. Proteins are then fragmented and analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Identification of proteins can be achieved by comparing the mass/charge-ratios of these peptides to respective databases. Proteome analysis with respect to the identification of disease-associated patterns of molecules in different tissues is in the early stages, because standardisation of these techniques often remains to be established. However, proteome analyses is a promising tool to obtain holistic insights into the physiological status of a cell or cellular system. Compared to RNA-based studies some advantages are obvious: (1) post-translational modifications, e. g. phosphorylation, contributing to the activity status can be detected at the protein level only, (2) RNA-levels do not necessarily coincide with protein levels for a particular gene, (3) feedback-mechanisms within regulatory pathways can control protein activity without measurable changes in mRNA content.

    PMID: 14677091 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

    Supplemental Content

    Click here to read