Proteomics is the study of proteins on a wide scale. Proteins host a variety of functions within living organisms and their many parts. Proteomics co-exists with genomics, and was coined in 1997. In 1994, Marc Wilkins used the word proteome to link protein and genome as part of his PhD studies.

Proteome refers to all the proteins in an organism or system. Time, requirements and/or stresses cause variations in a cell or organism. Proteomics maps out these changes, why they occur, and figures out new ways to manipulate proteins.

Proteomics is the next logical step after genomics and transcriptomics (study of RNA molecules in a cell or population of cells). It's a more complex system than genomics because while genomics focuses on genomes, it largely stays the same. Proteomics studies constantly shifting and diverse environments. This used to be done through RNA analysis but they could not find a relation to proteins, and protein generation depends on the gene, not RNA.

Scientists have a few ways of studying proteins, which is done on a molecular level. Proteins can be found using antibodies, which are large Y-shaped proteins that are produced by plasma cells in the immune system. The way scientists use antibodies to study proteins is through a few techniques, like the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which can detect and measure on a quantitative scale protein samples, or the Western blot, which can detect individual proteins.

While this is the most common way to study proteins, there have been other ways to study proteins. In 1967, one of the earliest methods to study proteins was the Edman degradation. A single peptide (A short chain of amino acids) is taken and, using chemicals, is degraded to figure out the sequence of the proteins. Nowadays, however, technology has taken over this way, as machines can do the same results at a much more rapid rate.

Proteomics has allowed the study of human genes to develop new drugs for treating various diseases. The way this is done is through both proteome and genome data that relate to a specific disease. A computer then takes that information and uses it to target the disease and create new medicines. For example, if scientists know a protein is affected by a disease, a 3D rendering of the protein can allow for a better understanding of how it is affected and what can be used to prevent it from occurring.

Proteomics helps shape our lives on a day to day basis. What it does is allow for the creation of brand new drugs as well as a deeper understanding of diseases. It also allows scientists to know what each individual protein does, as well as how we can improve their processes. Further information will lead to new proteins being developed, which scientists can introduce to environments and create healthier, safer places for all species.

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