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What is a proteoform?

“Proteoform” is a label that captures all of the protein-based diversity that can come from a single gene.

“Proteoform” is a more specific term than “protein”

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TRANSLATION

one gene

acts as the blueprint for…

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several protein isoforms

which can be modified into…

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POST-TRANSLATIONAL MODIFICATION

  • phosphorylation,

  • glycosylation,

  • acetylation,

  • methylation,

  • truncation,

    etc.

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many proteoforms

Conventional proteomics looks at parts of proteins…

introducing ambiguity into biomarker measurement

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many proteoforms

ANTIBODY ASSAY

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DIGESTION

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MEASURE

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limited scope

But proteoforms are better biomarkers

than modifications or overall protein levels

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In a study of liver transplant patients, two distinct Platelet Factor 4 proteoforms each pointed towards different transplant rejection states.

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In a study of an Alzheimer’s Disease mouse model, Amyloid Beta proteoform changes correlated with key transition points in disease progression.

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In a study of a cancer cell line model, MEK1 proteoform changes correlated with disease subtype and the drug used for treatment.

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