Proteomics, Genomics and Metabolomics

Proteome and Proteomics challenges to date

The completion of the human genome sequence more than a decade ago was an indisputable triumph for biomedical research; however, it did not provide answers it promised to tackle diseases which have baffled mankind. Since then, researchers have continued to expand their knowledge of basic elements within the genome, where connecting genotype to phenotype will require an ‘in-depth’ view of how the protein products of genes operate and interact.  The prevalent view in the past was that flow of exciting information would be from genomic breakthroughs to transcriptome to proteome. However, very soon it become apparent that proteome and proteomics can be used to annotate the genome and that the genomics field can now hugely benefit from proteomics research. 

Despite excellent achievements over the decade, there remained a “long gap” between primary genetic information which was rather static and easy to read, to the ultimate form of real information reflected in the function(s) of the protein coded by a given gene where proteins carry out these functionalities to drive biological processes in response to variety of stimulus. Late 1970’s witnessed development of various analytical methods allowing fractionation of hundreds of diverse proteins at once.  It is not surprising that both Genomic and Proteomic progresses are very closely linked to the development of novel technologies and methods. 

The term “proteome” was introduced at the 1^st Siena Conference in 1994 in a presentation  entitled “From Genome to Proteome”. Since then, the words Proteome and Proteomics have become representatives of complex approach to the study of the proteins (a fitting analogy to the term genomics).  Over the years, Proteomics went through the various time periods including awareness of its own potential and fascination by emerging complexity on one side, on the other side it suffered from the lack of means for protein identity. Luckily, this was resolved by the emergence of Edman sequencing followed by mass spectrometry focus on protein entity.   Of the many proteomic technologies current focus appears to be on the development of mass spectrometers, nano-chromatographic systems and robust bio-informatic tools. Many of the studies identified around ten of thousands of protein products of gene expression at once, but with little interest to the biological meaning and ability to distinguish  possible  individual variants of the protein  (protein species/proteoforms)   due to  mainly posttraslational  modifications  and RNA splicing.  While large proteomic data sets have been collected from many different tissue types, more needs to be done and efforts need to be directed towards tissue-specific proteins and posttranslational modifications that affect protein-protein interactions, in addition to protein functionality.

Proteomics linking Genomics and Systems Biology

The greatest promise for the detection and treatment of diseases lies in the deep understanding of molecular basis for disease initiation, progression and efficacious treatment based on the discovery of unique biomarkers. Although progress in genomics has been rapid during the past few years, it only provides us with a glimpse of what may occur as dictated by the genetic code. In reality, we still need to measure what is happening in a patient in real time, which means finding tell-tale proteins that provide insight into the biological processes of disease development. This is because genes are only the "recipes" of the cell, while the proteins encoded by the genes are ultimately the functional players that drive both normal and disease physiology.

                 Genomics                                    Proteomics                               Metabolomics

Proteomics urgencies:

• Comprehensive analytical proteomic technologies  to deal with  more than 10⁶ dynamic protein range in tissues and body fluids
• Improvements in quantitative proteomics in order to eliminate variability in protein detection and quantification leading to analytical variability which is not relevat to biological system
• Protein interaction studies to decipher biological function of the proteins
• Bioinformatic algorithms  allowing data reduction, evaluation  and their conversion to biological usefulness
• Standardisation of methodologies, assays and information
• Sensitivity, reproducibility and robustness of assays and technologies
• Targeted proteomics - good assay development and  biomarker  validation
• Integration between target identification and product development in pharmaceutical research
• Challenges are also in the translation of proteomic research to medicine, food industry, and environment (plant research, microbial, bacterial, fisheries, etc.).
• Medical research is vital for improving human health as it brings about a better understanding of the cause and effect of complex diseases. Promoting innovative medical research and its clinical application towards improved human health is absolutely vital as we progress

Ageing is not all doom and gloom!

Whilst addressing ageing, we should also enjoy 'healthy biological ageing'

                                      which goes 'hand in hand' with ...........

                                                                                    a good aged and mature wine!

                                                                                                       & lets be honest.............!

                                                                                                                            .... n ˈviːnəʊ ˈvɛrɪˌtæs

                                          in vino veritas   -   (ɪn ˈviːnəʊ ˈvɛrɪˌtæs)​

In vino veritas is a Latin phrase meaning "In wine, there is truth", suggesting a person enjoying an excellent fully matured wine, is more likely to speak their hidden thoughts and desires whilst reflecting on their past years (biological ageing) .

Proteome and Proteomics addressing societal challenges of the present whilst also focusing on the future !