SUP: Functional proteomics initiative at CORE

Qualitative identification and quantification of single proteins have been standardized. However, to characterise the functional response of an organism, a tissue, or a cell to the environment, identification and quantification of a high number of protein s has to be established. Quantitative data are an essential component to characterize the multiple enzymatic functions of proteins and model the corresponding regulatory networks. Quantitative analysis of protein complexes has been found highly effective for characterization of functional metabolic states and superior over single protein analysis to reflect the cells macromolecular organization state. To provide a broad data basis for understanding of the cellular metabolic functions, we propose a strateg ic alliance among the established CORE centres in Stavanger and Munich. In Stavanger, we will establish complementary methods based on mass spectrometry for identification and quantification of proteins in complexes. New gel-based technology, based on iso topic tagging and, UPLC-based label-free methods will be used for relative quantification of proteins in proteomes. An absolute quantification of membrane protein subunits will be established to determine the stoichiometry of selected protein complexes. P rotocols will be applied to a proteome wide characterization of the cell and the cell organelles in order to provide qualitative and quantitative information about metabolic, developmental or regulatory pathways.