Discovering hidden treasure within a proteome: An analytical chemist's guide to biomarker discovery

ANYL 235

Jeff D Chapman, jdchapman@beckman.com, Biomarker Discovery & Automation, Beckman Coulter, 4300 N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92834
Although a proteome may be a treasure trove for biomarker discovery, its complexity and breadth of dynamic range in concentration create a significant challenge for today's analytical technologies. Even though large investments have been made towards an impressive mass spectrometry infrastructure, the discovery of relevant biomarkers for disease and disease progression continue to evade the most valiant of attempts. Since this discovery challenge is created by the complexity of a proteome, we contend that the solution may be found in the simplification of a proteome. In this presentation we will essentially describe advanced sample preparation for mass spectrometry. We have implemented a proteome partitioning and fractionation strategy through selective immuno-affinity enrichment in combination with multi-dimensional proteome fractionation by pH and hydrophobicity. We will discuss how this strategy has been employed worldwide, citing examples from several laboratories and describe the impact these studies have made towards digging deeper into the proteome.