Nanoparticle method enhances detection of low-abundance proteins in blood plasma

In a latest examine printed in Nature Communications, scientists on the Division of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology at Karolinska Institutet, in collaboration with Michigan State College, have launched an revolutionary method to enhance plasma proteome profiling. The researchers have developed a novel technique to allow the detection of low-abundance proteins in plasma.

Plasma is a wealthy supply of biomarkers, that are essential for monitoring well being and illness. Nevertheless, the invention of recent biomarkers has slowed down as a result of problem in detecting low-abundance proteins.

Excessive-abundance proteins like albumin dominate the mass spectra, making it difficult to establish potential biomarkers current in smaller portions. Current strategies to take away these high-abundance proteins are sometimes pricey and labor-intensive, limiting their use in large-scale research.

In a latest examine, scientists have launched an revolutionary method to enhance plasma proteome profiling. This technique leverages a pure small molecule, phosphatidylcholine, to deplete high-abundance proteins akin to albumin, serotransferrin, and haptoglobin from plasma samples. By combining phosphatidylcholine with a single nanoparticle, the researchers had been in a position to quantify roughly 1,450 proteins in a single plasma pattern.

“Our patented know-how combining phosphatidylcholine with a single nanoparticle considerably boosts the depth of plasma proteome profiling. This permits us to review proteins with decrease abundance, paving the best way for the invention of novel biomarkers,” says Amir Ata Saei, one of many lead authors and Assistant professor on the Division of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology at Karolinska Institutet.

Early detection of ailments akin to most cancers and neurodegenerative problems is essential for efficient prevention and therapy. The brand new technique developed by the researchers may result in vital developments in figuring out biomarkers for these circumstances.

“This function will permit us to review proteins with decrease abundance for the invention of novel biomarkers in opposition to an array of ailments, particularly several types of most cancers and neurodegenerative ailments,” says Ata Saei.