New method for prefractionation of plasma for proteomic analysis

Area of Science:

• Proteomics
• Biomarker Discovery
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Complex biological samples like plasma present challenges for proteome analysis due to a wide dynamic range of protein abundance.
• High-abundance proteins can mask low-abundance proteins, hindering the identification of potential disease biomarkers.
• Removing abundant proteins or their complexes may inadvertently remove smaller proteins crucial for biomarker identification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of a prefractionation device employing Gradiflow™ technology for plasma samples.
• To assess the impact of prefractionation on the complexity of plasma samples for improved proteomic analysis.
• To determine if this prefractionation method aids in the discovery of disease biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a prefractionation device based on Gradiflow™ technology.
• Separated small volume plasma samples into multiple fractions based on molecular weight and/or charge.
• Analyzed the reduced complexity fractions using 2-DE (two-dimensional gel electrophoresis).

Main Results:

• The Gradiflow™ device successfully separated plasma samples into fractions of reduced complexity.
• These prefractionated samples were directly compatible with 2-DE analysis.
• The method demonstrated potential for enhancing the detection of low-abundance proteins.

Conclusions:

• Prefractionation of plasma using Gradiflow™ technology effectively reduces sample complexity.
• This approach facilitates the detection of low-abundance proteins, which are important for biomarker discovery.
• The prefractionation technique shows promise as a valuable tool in the search for disease biomarkers.