próteómetríu

Proteometry is a field of study and a set of techniques used to analyze the proteome, which is the entire complement of proteins produced by an organism or system under specific conditions. It goes beyond genomics, which studies the genes, by focusing on the actual proteins present, their modifications, interactions, and functional states. Proteometry aims to understand the complex interplay of proteins within a cell, tissue, or organism and how these proteins contribute to biological processes and disease.

The core of proteometry involves various analytical methods, most notably mass spectrometry, which is used to identify and quantify proteins. Techniques like 2D gel electrophoresis, chromatography, and protein arrays are also employed to separate, purify, and analyze protein mixtures. The data generated from these experiments can be vast and complex, requiring sophisticated bioinformatics tools for interpretation.

The applications of proteometry are broad, spanning fundamental biological research, drug discovery and development, and clinical diagnostics. By analyzing changes in protein expression and modification, researchers can gain insights into disease mechanisms, identify potential biomarkers for early detection or prognosis, and discover new therapeutic targets. For example, proteomic studies can reveal proteins that are overexpressed in cancer cells, suggesting them as targets for anticancer drugs. The field is constantly evolving with advancements in instrumentation and analytical methodologies, promising even deeper understanding of biological systems in the future.