Proteomics & Genomics
CE-based sample quality assessment prior to 2-D gel electrophoresis: Towards the standardization of gel-based proteomics A rapid and visual evaluation method using SDS capillary gel electrophoresis (in Beckman Coulter sieving medium) combined with multi-pixel detection was reported for the quality assessment of 2-DE samples.
Modelling experience not required A combined transcriptomic and proteomic approach has been used for the first time to construct a gene and protein data reference set for a marine fouling invertebrate, as a rapid alternative to whole genome sequencing.
Allergenic prawn proteins The key major allergenic proteins in black tiger prawns were identified using immunoblotting and proteomics techniques, and a signature peptide for tropomyosin, the major allergen, was identified for future quantitative studies in the seafood industry.
Molecular diversity of toxic components from the scorpion <em>Heterometrus petersii</em> venom revealed by proteomic and transcriptome analysis Toxin components from the scorpion <em>Heterometrus petersii</em> venom were evaluated by transcriptome and proteome analysis, identifying ten known families of venom peptides and proteins.
Cue antigens for Q fever A protein microarray containing almost 2000 open reading frames has been used to detect seroactive antigens for the bacterium <em>Coxiella burnetti</em>, the agent of Q fever. Some of the antigens were used in an immunostrip for disease diagnosis and are candidates for vaccines.
Better than snail's pace The changes in protein expression in an embryonic snail as it develops from a shell-less to a shelled form have been tracked by Taiwanese scientists, using de novo peptide sequencing to counter the lack of gastropod genomic and proteomic data.
Protein separation using free-flow electrophoresis microchip etched in a single step A free-flow electrophoresis microchip fabricated by one-step etching method is suitable for the continuous separation of proteins, which might become an effective pre-fractionation method for proteome study.
A route to personalised therapy selection The plasma proteomes of patients with glioblastoma multiforme brain tumours were used to classify the type of tumour and indicate which patients would respond best to immunotherapy, heralding a new approach to personal medicine.
Enduring effects of exercise A detailed study of the urinary proteome following a period of endurance exercise revealed several proteins at increased levels, which were linked to physiological changes. The results form the basis of a plan to establish individual 2D PAGE protein maps which could lead to a personal monitoring system for athletes.
Characterization of the adult zebrafish cardiac proteome using online pH gradient strong cation exchange-RP 2D LC coupled with ESI MS/MS A pH gradient SCX-RP HPLC platform to improve peptide separation was implemented to separate proteome digests of adult zebrafish hearts, followed by ESI quadrupole-TOF MS/MS analysis.
Who's afraid of the GM crops? A study of transgenic maize plants using several -omic techniques revealed that the local growing environment had a far greater effect on gene expression, protein and metabolite levels than variations in genotypes.
Extending tumour margins MALDI mass spectrometry has revealed that cells in the apparently normal tissue left behind following the surgical removal of a tumour bear a close resemblance to tumour cells at the molecular level. This might explain why so many cancers recur and suggests that tumour margins should be extended for maximum patient safety.
Comparison of protein enrichment strategies for proteome analysis of plasma Different commercially available protein-partitioning products were tested for their ability to lower the detection limit of proteins in 2-D gels.
Clues to multidrug resistance in ovarian cancer A proteomics study of ovarian cancer has identified a series of proteins that might be implicated in multidrug resistance to cisplatin, a drug commonly used for treatment. The involvement of two proteins in particular was shown to be highly probable.
Scar tissue probed Keloid scar tissue formed on human skin contains altered levels of proteins related to inflammation, fibrosis, antifibrosis and tumour suppression, say researchers in Singapore, some of which might be useful targets for controlling scar formation.
Application of free-flow IEF to identify protein candidates changing under microgravity conditions Proteome analysis was performed on thyroid cells cultured under normal gravity and simulated microgravity conditions in order to identify gravity-sensitive thyroid proteins.
Intact protein sizing A new protocol for the high-throughput proteomics analysis of intact proteins has been demonstrated by scientists in the USA, who combined pre-fractionation and mass spectrometry with high resolution tandem mass spectrometry to allow the identification of proteins up to 80 kDa.
Biomarkers of brain damage in HIV infection A long-term study combining proteomic and brain imaging technologies has identified one particular protein as a marker of brain injury in people in the advanced stages of HIV infection, a condition which is difficult to track as it is normally clinically silent.
Magnetic particles as powerful purification tool for high sensitive mass spectrometric screening procedures In this review, the use of magnetic particles for different applications, such as, the extraction and analysis of DNA/RNA, peptides and proteins, is described.
Riding shotgun for small numbers of cancer cells A strategy has been described for the analysis of 500-5000 cancer cells by shotgun proteomics, which will be useful for profiling cells in the blood or tissue of cancer patients for diagnosis and prognosis.