Mapping intact protein isoforms in discovery mode using top-down proteomics.

ABSTRACT: A full description of the human proteome relies on the challenging task of detecting mature and changing forms of protein molecules in the body. Large-scale proteome analysis has routinely involved digesting intact proteins followed by inferred protein identification using mass spectrometry. This 'bottom-up' process affords a high number of identifications (not always unique to a single gene). However, complications arise from incomplete or ambiguous characterization of alternative splice forms, diverse modifications (for example, acetylation and methylation) and endogenous protein cleavages, especially when combinations of these create complex patterns of intact protein isoforms and species. 'Top-down' interrogation of whole proteins can overcome these problems for individual proteins, bu

SUBMITTER: Tran JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3237778 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature