Proteomics early developments

An important issue that arouse during early development of proteomic technology is proper comparison of data generated by different centers, laboratories, even individuals. SELDI-TOF is an example of how difficult it w as to cross-validate data from laboratory to laboratory w hich used the same technology... 

Most studies discussed in this chapter are focussed around early developments in the field of protein characterization. In Ch. 17, the characterization of proteins by LC-MS is discussed in more detail, introducing the technologies which are at the basis of current proteomics research (Ch. 18) and the characterization of PTM (Ch. 19). As such, this is the prelude to more recent developments in the mid-1990s. 

Over the years, many different approaches based on these two basic principles have been developed.4 9 We decided to focus on developing an approach to transfer analytes by coupling capillary tubing with electrospray ionization devices. From this basic design principle, we were able to develop a simple three-position device for the analysis of proteomic samples by mass spectrometry.7,10 We developed this principle further into an automated nine-position device,6 and to perform frontal analysis separations of peptides.11 This chapter reviews these early developments in coupling microfabricated devices to mass spectrometers. 

What can be expected from the future The cultivation of isolated hematopoietic cells will benefit from the identification of new cytokines, making the use of stromal-conditioned medium unnecessary. The recent development of proteomics techniques will expediate this process. The prospects of the co-cultivation will depend on the development of human stromal cell lines supporting the expansion of early progenitor cells, and the membrane approach has to prove its potential on a clinical scale. 

Apart from academic organizations, the NCI (National Cancer Institute) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) have initiated a collaboration to focus on using proteomic technologies to develop more targeted treatments and more reliable diagnostic kits for early detection of cancer. In mid-2001, researchers analyzed a series of tumor cells from different patients and came up with a roster of proteins present in cancer cells. These are distinct molecules not found in normal cells. In early 2002, scientists involved in this program reported that it is possible to compare... 

Consequently, proteomics is a valuable tool for identification and validation of drug targets in early phases, the investigation of the mechanism of pharmacological drug activity and toxicity, and hence, individualized drug therapy. Use of biomarkers may lead to development of nonanimal models. 

Many tumor markers have been identified in recent years since the improvements in proteomic technologies. For example, one study analyzed human serum with 2D-PAGE and MALDI-TOF-MS to identify a distinct repertoire of autoantibodies associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. These proteins differentiated the cancer patients from those chronically infected with hepatitis B or C, which constitute a high-risk group for developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, proteomic-based technology was used to identify a set of four proteins that may have utility in early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma [87]. 

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