Physiological Proteomics: Cells, Organs, Biological Fluids, and Biomarkers

Abstract

Proteomic research is accelerating rapidly because of marked advances in protein labeling techniques, mass spectrometry (MS), and bioinformatics. Two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) is being used effectively in conjunction with liquid chromatography tandem MS (LC-MS/MS) and/or matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight MS (MALDI-ToF MS) and database search software to quantify relative changes in the levels of proteins in two samples. It is now possible in a single study to identify and quantify large numbers of proteins and their posttranslational modifications in different biological samples. Comparisons can be made between groups of animals in different physiological states or in response to experimental treatment. Differences between normal individuals and those in disease states can form the foundation for elucidation of causative factors of disease and the identification of biomarkers for the diseased state. This symposium includes original research that compares the erythrocyte plasma membrane proteome in the normal and the sickle cell state, evaluates the anterior pituitary gland proteome in the ovariectomized rat in response to estrogen, and assesses proteomic methodology employed to identify potentially useful biomarkers in human cells and fluids for clinical medicine. It is directed not only to investigators working in these fields but also to a diverse group of scientists working in the biological and biomedical fields to stimulate cross-disciplinary awareness, interest, and collaboration.