Proteomics

What is proteomics?

Proteomics refers to the study of proteins. Actually, genomics refers to the study of genes and genomes, because of this, the study of proteins termed as proteomics. "Proteome" is the combined word of Protein and genome.

What type of study involved in proteomics?

• Proteomics deals mainly with the structure and function of proteins.
• It involves the study of three dimensional structure of proteins.
• It involves the study of quantitative and qualitative analysis of proteins.

Techniques used to study proteomics:

• Electrophoresis
• Chromatography
• PROTOMAP
• Use of antibodies
• ELISA
• Matrix associated laser desorption / ionization
• Yeast two - hybrid analysis
• Micro arrays
• Immuno affinity chromatography
• Mass spectrometry
• Dual polarization interferometry.

Advantages / benefits by proteomics:

• Detailed study of three dimensional structure of proteins leads to the discovery of new drugs. When the nature of protein responsible for the cause of disease has been studied in detail, then the antagonistic protein can be created or found very easily.
• With the help of 3D structure of proteins, it is found that HIV protease is the enzyme which is needed for the survival of HIV. So, scientists try to find or produce the protein which is antagonistic to this HIV protease.
• As a biomarker - Some proteins (especially immunoglobulins) used for the diagnosis of various diseases. The techniques employed to detect the disease with the help of proteins are western blot, chromatography, ELISA, immuno histochemical staining.
• It shows very good results to diagnose and treat Alzheimer's disease, cardio-vascular disease, cancers, etc.

Complexity of proteomics:

There is some complexity to study about proteins in proteomics. Because, it is not like genomics as the amount of genes always constant in an organism, but the amount of proteins will differ from each organisms and differ from each cells in the organism.

Protein databases:

• Protein Information Resource (PIR)
• Swiss - prot
• Protein data bank (PDB)
• Proteopedia.