Top Things to Know: Transformative Impact of Proteomics on Cardiovascular Health and Disease
Published: July 20, 2015
- Proteomics is the result of disruptive technologies, namely, mass spectrometry and database searching, which protein analysis from 1 protein at a time to protein mixture analyses that enable large-scale analysis of proteins and facilitate paradigm shifts in biological concepts that important clinical questions.
- The proteomics field has evolved dramatically over the last 20 years, with advancements and improvements in experimental designs, sample preparation protocols, mass spectrometry, analysis, all of which have resulted in substantial forward progress towards a proteomic pipeline to establish cause-and- effect mechanisms of cardiovascular disease.
- To continue to push the growing field forward, it is essential to:
- impart proteomic technologies to current investigators and the next generation of scientists who can benefit from their growing availability
- invest in technology to continue reaping the benefits of the proteomic foundations that have been established
- facilitate the technologies to mature further and support them to fruition, similar to project management approaches taken when setting up a business or bringing a new product to market
- For optimal results, proteomics project management details must be considered from initial assessment of feasibility to presentation and publication of results.
- Several major issues must be taken into account in the experimental design of proteomic studies for biomarker discovery, including:
- criteria for subject selection
- sample type, collection, and handling
- sample storage conditions and duration
- proteomic data acquisition technique
- data analysis
- result documentation
- appropriate strategies for replication of results in independent cohorts
- Advances in proteomic techniques have led to transformative developments in how changes in protein expression and posttranslational modifications are detected and quantified. Both technological and methodological advancements allow greater depth of proteome coverage and higher sample throughput.
- Proteomics holds the promise that information on all expressed proteins can provide a precise map of the current condition of cells, tissues, organs, and whole organisms. A particular strength is that unlike genomic and transcriptomic approaches, proteomics provides important insights into modifications that regulate function and activity of enzymes and other proteins, because it can identify binding sites for specific protein interactions.
- Metrics of success are useful for demonstrating value to the scientific community and communicating the goals that are making a broader impact. To date, major metrics used for proteomics projects include peer-reviewed publications (research productivity), number of project grants using these technologies (research cross-fertilization), number of trainees interested in proteomics research projects (future research sustainability), and number of projects that translate to new therapies or commercialization (translational research).
- Specific recommendations for future proteomics research include the following priorities:
- Develop methods that accelerate translation and retrotranslation processes
- Manage the process of translation
- Improve communication to the public and research communities to aid in developing accurate expectations and perceptions of the translation process
- Continue resource allocation to allow maximum potential for transformation
- The necessary tools are being assembled, and enhancement of communication across disciplines will help to manage implementation and reduce the time required for larger-scale projects.
Citation
Lindsey ML, Mayr M, Gomes AV, Delles C, Arrell DK, Murphy AM, Lange RA, Costello CE, Jin Y-F, Laskowitz DT, Sam F, Terzic A, Van Eyk J, Srinivas PR; on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Genomic and Precision Medicine, Council on Lifelong Congenital Heart Disease and Heart Health in the Young, Council on Clinical Cardiology, Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing, Council on Hypertension, and Stroke Council. Transformative impact of proteomics on cardiovascular health and disease: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association [published online ahead of print July 20, 2015]. Circulation. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000226.