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A multi-tissue longitudinal proteomics study to evaluate the suitability of post-mortem samples for
Christian M Beusch1,2, Ken Braesch-Andersen1, Ulrika Felldin1
1Cardio-Thoracic Translational Medicine (CTTM) Lab, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Communications Biology
|January 17, 2025
Summary
Post-mortem changes significantly alter proteomes, especially in the liver and spleen within hours. Careful consideration of the post-mortem interval (PMI) is crucial for accurate proteomics research.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Proteomics
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Mass spectrometry-based proteomics is vital for understanding disease.
- Post-mortem samples are frequently used, but decomposition effects are poorly understood.
- Limited knowledge exists on how body decomposition impacts proteomic profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate organ-specific proteome alterations after death.
- To determine the influence of post-mortem interval (PMI) on proteomic data.
- To analyze protease activity and its organ-specific patterns.
Main Methods:
- Reanalysis of published proteomics data.
- Conducted a time-course experiment using mouse models.
- Analyzed semi-tryptic peptides to identify protease activity motifs.
Main Results:
- Significant proteomic changes observed in liver and spleen within hours post-mortem.
- Heart proteome showed modest changes, while subcellular compartments revealed early alterations.
- Identified organ-specific protease activity motifs from semi-tryptic peptide analysis.
Conclusions:
- Post-mortem interval (PMI) significantly impacts proteomic studies, potentially masking disease effects.
- Organ-specific proteomic regulation occurs post-mortem, influenced by protease activity.
- Recommendations include immediate sample collection (e.g., operating room) and PMI control in study design.
