Genomically linked cellular protein databases derived from two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Area of Science:

• * Molecular Biology
• * Genomics
• * Proteomics

Background:

• * Cellular protein databases are most effective when genomically based.
• * Genomes dictate the total protein repertoire and specific protein expression under given conditions.
• * Existing methods for gene-protein mapping are being enhanced by recent molecular biology advancements.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To describe the construction of a genomically based cellular protein database.
• * To highlight advances in molecular biology that facilitate gene-protein index creation.
• * To establish methods for independently building gene-protein indices from genetic or protein data.

Main Methods:

• * Biochemical methods for mapping unidentified protein-encoding genes from two-dimensional gels.
• * Techniques to identify protein products of newly discovered genes or open reading frames.
• * Simultaneous construction of gene-protein indices from genetic maps or protein patterns.

Main Results:

• * Gene-protein indices can be built using biochemical approaches without mutants or genetic crosses.
• * Newly discovered genes can be linked to their protein products on gels.
• * A comprehensive gene-protein index is under development for Escherichia coli.

Conclusions:

• * Genomically based protein databases are essential for understanding cellular processes.
• * Advances in molecular biology enable efficient construction of gene-protein indices.
• * The development of total gene-protein indices for diverse cells is anticipated soon.