The proteomics standards initiative

The Proteomics Standards Initiative (PSI) aims to define community standards for data representation in proteomics and to facilitate data comparison, exchange and verification. Progress has been made in the development of common standards for data exchange in the fields of both mass spectrometry and protein-protein interaction. A proteomics-specific extension is being created for the emerging American Society for Tests and Measurements mass spectrometry standard, which will be supported by manufacturers of both hardware and software. A data model for proteomics experimentation is under development and discussions on a public repository for published proteomics data are underway. The Protein-Protein Interactions group expects to publish the Level 1 PSI data exchange format for protein-protein interactions soon and discussions as to the content of Level 2 have been initiated.