Creation of an antibody-based subcellular protein atlas

An important part for understanding the complex machinery of living cells is to know the spatial distribution of proteins all the way from organ to organelle levels. An equally important part of proteomics is to map the subcellular distribution of all human proteins. Here, we discuss methodologies for systematic subcellular profiling with emphasis on the antibody-based approach performed as a part of the Human Protein Atlas project. The considerations made when creating the subcellular protein atlas and critical parameters of this approach are discussed.