Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
The MPLEx Protocol for Multi-omic Analyses of Soil Samples
Published on: May 30, 2018
The -omics era: proteomics and lipidomics in vascular research
Athanasios Didangelos1, Christin Stegemann, Manuel Mayr
1King's British Heart Foundation Centre, King's College London, UK.
Insights
Current atherosclerosis research often overlooks key factors like extracellular matrix remodelling and specific lipid species. Advanced mass spectrometry methods are now enabling deeper insights into these understudied areas for biomarker discovery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Proteomics and Lipidomics
Background:
- Atherosclerosis research traditionally focuses on well-understood individual factors, neglecting other crucial elements.
- Knowledge gaps exist regarding extracellular matrix remodelling and the role of specific lipid species in atherosclerotic lesions.
- Existing research on inflammation in atherosclerosis is extensive, contrasting with limited understanding of other pathological pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the limitations of current atherosclerosis research methodologies.
- To emphasize the need for investigating understudied factors such as extracellular matrix remodelling and individual lipid species.
- To explore the potential of advanced analytical techniques for a more comprehensive understanding of atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing mass spectrometry-based methods for high-throughput profiling.
- Employing advanced analytical tools for detailed analysis of biological samples.
- Investigating both animal models and clinical specimens to ensure broad applicability.
Main Results:
- Demonstrating the transformative potential of mass spectrometry in profiling extracellular proteins and lipids.
- Providing a foundation for exploring previously under-investigated aspects of atherosclerotic lesions.
- Identifying opportunities for discovering novel biomarkers through comprehensive molecular profiling.
Conclusions:
- Advanced analytical techniques, particularly mass spectrometry, are crucial for overcoming current limitations in atherosclerosis research.
- A broader investigation of molecular factors, including extracellular matrix components and specific lipids, is necessary for a complete understanding of atherosclerosis.
- This approach holds significant promise for the discovery of new diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers.
Abstract:
A main limitation of the current approaches to atherosclerosis research is the focus on the investigation of individual factors, which are presumed to be involved in the pathophysiology and whose biological functions are, at least in part, understood. These molecules are investigated extensively while others are not studied at all. In comparison to our detailed knowledge about the role of inflammation in atherosclerosis, little is known about extracellular matrix remodelling and the retention of individual lipid species rather than lipid classes in early and advanced atherosclerotic lesions. The recent development of mass spectrometry-based methods and advanced analytical tools are transforming our ability to profile extracellular proteins and lipid species in animal models and clinical specimen with the goal of illuminating pathological processes and discovering new biomarkers.
Related Concept Videos
01:33Proteomics
Proteomics is the study of proteomes' function. It involves the large-scale systematic study of the proteome to denote the protein complement expressed by a genome. Scientist Mark Wilkins coined the term proteomics...
01:31Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
02:02Genomics
01:24Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...