What are Proteome Atlases good for?

Abstract

The technological advances in mass spectrometry and associated computational tools have enabled the development of proteome atlases and comprehensive catalogs of proteome snapshots that have gradually transformed biomedical research. These proteome catalogs in specific biological contexts, which focused initially on model organisms, have now expanded their scope to encompass diverse organisms, tissues, and experimental conditions. These atlases, such as the Human Protein Atlas (HPA), Peptide Atlas, and Global Proteome Machine Database (GPMDB), etc. provide invaluable insights into protein expression, subcellular localization, interactions, modifications, and functions. They aid in understanding biological processes, identifying disease biomarkers, and discovering novel therapeutic targets. Despite their potential, proteome atlases face challenges like data completeness, integration with other omics data, and ethical considerations. Addressing these challenges is vital for further progress. Proteome atlases serve as indispensable resources, driving biomedical discovery and innovation.