Functional Proteomics

The elucidation of biological activities of unknown proteins and the description of cellular mechanisms at the molecular level are two primary goals of functional proteomics. Many proteins in cells demonstrate their biological roles by forming fast and temporary associations within massive protein complexes. The discovery of interacting protein partners is then crucial for understanding protein activities and deciphering molecular pathways within the cell. In fact, the connection of an unknown protein with partners from a specific protein complex involved in a specific process would strongly suggest its biological activity. Functional proteomics is a new topic of study in proteomic science that focuses on monitoring and analysing the spatial and temporal features of molecular networks and fluxes in living cells. The ability to generate and interpret proteomics data has prompted a transition away from protein identification and toward functional analysis.