Proteomics

Proteins hold pivotal importance since many diseases manifest changes in protein activity, and proteomics techniques provide a comprehensive exploration of protein structure, abundance, and function in biological samples. ^[1] Mass-spectrometry-based proteomics has evolved into a powerful tool for comprehensively analysing biological systems, with recent technological advances markedly increasing sensitivity to enable single-cell proteomics and spatial profiling of tissues. ^[2]

Mass-spectrometry-based high-throughput proteomics is the core technique for large-scale protein characterization, using sophisticated separation techniques and advanced instrumentation to extend coverage and enhance dynamic range and sensitivity. ^[3] Data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry has emerged as a powerful technology for high-throughput, accurate, and reproducible quantitative proteomics. ^[4] Beyond mass spectrometry, affinity-based platforms such as Olink and SomaScan have driven enhanced sensitivity and throughput in proteome profiling. ^[5]

The study of proteins circulating in blood offers tremendous opportunities to diagnose, stratify, or possibly prevent diseases, and plasma proteomics has contributed valuable insights into aging alongside COVID-19 infections and hemostasis. ^[6] Single-cell, genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, and proteomics approaches have been essential in identifying aging biomarkers and elucidating signaling pathways associated with aging. ^[7] Integrating multi-omics data spanning the genome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, and microbiome related to ovarian aging can be leveraged to identify novel drug targets and guide therapeutic strategies for slowing and reversing ovarian aging. ^[8]

In an Alzheimer's disease multi-cohort proteomic analysis of brain tissues, consensus protein alterations were revealed and combining proteomics with genomics enabled protein quantitative trait locus analysis linking genetic risk factors to protein expression changes. ^[5] Using genome-wide association study results and blood protein quantitative loci, Mendelian randomization proteomics identified seven proteins as potential targets for interventions to be used in the primary prevention of heart failure. ^[9] Proteomics is transitioning from basic research to the clinic, with biomarker discovery in body fluids holding promise for proteomics-based diagnostics despite remaining implementation challenges. ^[2]