Analyzing biological function with emerging proteomic technologies

Strong evidence exists that many adaptive processes are associated with quantitative, post-translational and functional changes in protein complement. While the acquisition of large bodies of genomic sequence is facilitating the use of global techniques to analyze cellular function, much of the regulation of physiological processes happens at a post-translational level. The emerging field of 'proteomics' is being used to identify the sources and extent of biological variation at the protein level. This review will present a general overview of the currently available proteomic tools including two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry as well as more advanced technologies under development. Particular attention will be paid to technologies and methodologies being used to analyze signal transduction networks (i.e. protein phosphorylation and the regulation of biological function). The advantages and limitations of proteomic technologies and their suitability for use in the study of diverse organisms will be discussed. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.