Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
8.1.3 Objectives of Proteomics
One of the major focus of molecular biologists is to study the outcome of genetic prod-
ucts coded by a particular gene. Studies of Proteomics are considered to be a power-
ful tool to provide better understanding of an organism as compared to genomics. The
mRNA synthesized by transcription may be degraded or translated inefficiently, result-
ing in synthesis of either a nonsense, mis-sense, or a biologically inactive protein. Post
transcription, mRNA facilitates translation of proteins. This step is accompanied by splic-
ing of exons or biologically inactive or unwanted genetic sequences on mRNA, resulting
finally in the synthesis of protein by translation. This translated protein then undergoes
the series of above-mentioned structural modifications to yield a biologically active pro-
tein. The overall microenvironment of a cell is affected by these post translational modi-
fied proteins. Hence, a detailed proteomic study facilitates or enables the scientist to get a
profound insight about the biological and physiological status of the cell, which is not so
vivid and detailed in the case of genomic studies.
In order to have a comprehensive idea about the role of proteins in a biological
system, it is mandatory to study protein-protein interactions. One of the predominant
objectives of proteomics is to study protein-protein interaction at the cellular level.
Proteomics are particularly useful in understanding the elucidation of cell signal-
ing events in a cell. Protein microarrays, affinity chromatography, and mass spec-
trometry are some of the conventional techniques that are widely resorted to in
studying the protein-protein interaction at the genetic level.
8.1.4 Applications of Proteomics as Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease,
Cardiovascular Diseases, and Miscellaneous Neurodegenerative
Disorders
Proteomics have led to the opening up of several horizons in the field of drug
discovery and drug delivery. Complete elucidation of protein configuration of a
human biological system enables us to identify a protein that is implicated in any dis-
order. Drugs that alter, inhibit, or suppress such protein are being designed. In order
to design such drugs and delivery systems, sound knowledge of three-dimensional
structure and functions of a protein is very important. Since the inception of
the human genome project, the idea of drug design and delivery has undergone a
paradigm shift. The focus is to develop a more site specific, patient friendly, cost-
effective, and above all tailor-made or highly individualized therapy to replace the
generalized therapy existing until now. Proteomics provides a beacon of hope in
designing drugs that can be used to identify and target such biological sites. The con-
cept of individualized or tailor-made therapy is gradually receiving impetus owing
to the realization that a patient's response to a drug is largely mediated at the genetic
level. Differences existing at the level of an individual's genetic makeup led to devel-
opment of pharmacogenomics. The field would receive a tremendous boost, thanks
to progress in proteomics.
The science of proteomics represents a major weapon to combat AIDS and simi-
lar incurable ailments. Potential drug candidates that inactivate HIV-1 protease, an
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