With or without you - Proteomics with or without major plasma/serum proteins

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Proteomics
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Plasma and serum are critical sources for identifying disease biomarkers.
• Abundant protein depletion is a common but not always necessary step in sample preparation.
• Understanding the complexity of major plasma/serum proteins is essential for biomarker research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review strategies for managing plasma/serum for biomarker discovery.
• To discuss the complexities of major plasma/serum proteins.
• To recommend routine analysis of abundant plasma/serum proteome components for disease characterization.

Main Methods:

• Compilation and discussion of existing management strategies and protocols for plasma/serum.
• Analysis of conceptual and technical approaches for using whole plasma/serum.
• Review of literature on the molecular structures and functions of major serum/plasma proteins.

Main Results:

• Effective strategies exist for using whole plasma/serum without protein depletion.
• Major plasma/serum proteins exhibit significant molecular complexity (multiple species and functions).
• The regulation of protein synthesis is linked to health and disease.

Conclusions:

• Routine analysis of abundant plasma/serum proteome components can aid disease characterization.
• Understanding protein complexity is key to unlocking their full potential as biomarkers.
• This approach enhances the understanding of disease mechanisms and their consequences.