Proteomics

Proteome is a complement of proteins expressed in a cell at given time and proteomics means global analysis of this protein complement. Proteomics investigates the global changes of proteins in cells and tissues in response to a stimulus (for example temperature change, drug or nutrient treatment, or growth phase). It also studies protein-protein interactions. Proteomics came into prominence after 1997 and quickly became a popular research avenue, holding much greater importance than scientists initially suspected. The main reason for this is the fact that based on the genomic sequence it is impossible to predict how the gene products (proteins) are going to behave. Proteins are regulated at the level of protein translation, subsequently they can be modified by addition of various molecules (sugar, for example). Proteins can have varying half-lives, and their intracellular distribution can be predicted only with limited certainty.