Summary
Large-scale study of proteins, their structures and interactions, often using mass spectrometry.
In depth
Methods: 2D gels, LC-MS/MS shotgun proteomics, and protein arrays. Reveals protein abundance, modifications and interactions. Human proteome has more than 20,000 proteins but many more proteoforms.
Sample prep digests proteins into peptides with trypsin, then LC-MS/MS identifies sequences by matching to databases. Quantification is label-free or isotopic. Interaction proteomics uses affinity purification.
Common mistake: mRNA levels do not always predict protein levels.
Proteomics studies the full set of proteins in a cell or tissue, their abundance, modifications, locations and interactions. Unlike the genome, the proteome changes with time, cell type and condition, and one gene can give many protein forms through splicing and post-translational modification.
In mass-spectrometry proteomics, proteins are digested into peptides, separated by liquid chromatography, and measured by mass-to-charge ratio; software matches spectra to databases. Other methods include 2D gels, antibody arrays and yeast two-hybrid for interactions.
Example: finding biomarker proteins in blood for early disease.
Key idea: protein levels are not predictable from mRNA alone, so direct measurement is needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is Proteomics?
Large-scale study of proteins, their structures and interactions, often using mass spectrometry.
Which area of biology covers Proteomics, and how advanced is it?
Proteomics is one of the 56 topics in Biotechnology & Genomics. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Transgenic Organisms, Sequence Alignment, Bioinformatics.
Can you give an example of Proteomics?
Proteomics biomarkers help in early cancer detection research.
What should I learn before Proteomics?
Work through the Beginner topics in Biotechnology & Genomics first, such as Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Selective Breeding, then return to Proteomics. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Proteomics?
The closest topics to Proteomics are Transgenic Organisms, Sequence Alignment, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Proteomics?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Proteomics. To practise the whole of Biotechnology & Genomics, use the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz.
How is Proteomics different from Transgenic Organisms?
Proteomics: Large-scale study of proteins, their structures and interactions, often using mass spectrometry. Transgenic Organisms: Organisms carrying foreign genes stably integrated in their genome. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
What is a common mistake about Proteomics?
MRNA levels do not always predict protein levels.
How should I study Proteomics step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Transgenic Organisms and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.