In the field of life sciences, proteomics is gradually becoming a key tool for exploring the molecular mechanisms of human diseases and cancer, serving as a crucial window to reveal the functional state of cells, tissues, or organs. Subtle changes at the protein level often indicate a shift in the health state of an organism, therefore, the importance of intact protein quantification is self-evident. As a professional omics services supplier, INOMIXO will introduce you the cutting-edge technologies in this field, particularly their extensive applications in clinical research.
Proteomics technology based on high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) has become the gold standard for protein quantification analysis due to its high resolution and high sensitivity. This technology combines the separation capability of liquid chromatography with the identification precision of mass spectrometry, achieving accurate identification and quantification of proteins in complex biological samples through shotgun or top-down analysis strategies. Among these, the top-down approach can directly analyze intact proteins, providing a richer dimension of information for proteomics research.
Label-free quantitation technology, with its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and low invasiveness, holds a significant position in clinical research. This technology does not require the introduction of external labels but directly compares the abundance changes of proteins between different samples through proteomics mass spectrometry data, providing strong support for the screening of tumor biomarkers. For instance, in the study of cancers such as gastric and lung cancer, Label-free quantitation technology has been successfully applied to saliva, serum, and other biological samples, revealing various potential biomarkers.
Stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) technology demonstrates unique advantages in absolute and relative quantification of proteins due to its high accuracy and reliability. By adding isotopically labeled amino acids to the cell culture medium, SILAC can achieve precise labeling of proteins in vivo, subsequently obtaining accurate quantification information through mass spectrometry analysis. This technology has played an important role in identifying post-translational modifications of proteins and exploring disease mechanisms.
Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) and tandem mass tags (TMT) technologies, as two innovations in the field of quantitative proteomics, have further advanced clinical research. iTRAQ technology, with its high reproducibility and sensitivity, can simultaneously analyze protein differences in multiple samples, providing an important means for the discovery of tumor biomarkers. TMT technology, by increasing the number of samples that can be analyzed simultaneously, has further improved the efficiency and accuracy of protein quantification, achieving significant results in the research of various cancers such as liver and gastric cancer.
With continuous technological advancement, intact protein quantification will play an increasingly important role in clinical research. These technologies not only help reveal the molecular mechanisms of disease occurrence and tumor progression but also provide strong support for the discovery of biomarkers, selection of drug targets, and formulation of personalized medical plans. In the future, with the emergence of more innovative technologies and the integration of interdisciplinary fields, intact protein quantification is expected to spark new research waves in the field of life sciences.
In summary, intact protein quantification, as an important tool in proteomics research, is gradually changing our understanding of human diseases and cancer. Through continuous optimization and innovation, these technologies will bring more precise and efficient solutions to clinical research, driving life sciences to a higher level.