Is a gene-centric human proteome project the best way for proteomics to serve biology?

TL;DR

This paper discusses the design considerations of a human proteome project, debating gene-centric versus protein-centric approaches, and evaluates their potential impact on biological research with recent proteomic advancements.

Contribution

It clarifies the definitions of gene-centric and protein-centric proteomics and analyzes how a large-scale human proteome project can integrate into broader omics efforts.

Findings

Gene-centric approach may better facilitate integration with genomics.

A comprehensive HPP can significantly advance understanding of human biology.

Design choices impact the utility and scope of the proteome project.

Abstract

With the recent developments in proteomic technologies, a complete human proteome project (HPP) appears feasible for the first time. However, there is still debate as to how it should be designed and what it should encompass. In "proteomics speak", the debate revolves around the central question as to whether a gene-centric or a protein-centric proteomics approach is the most appropriate way forward. In this paper, we try to shed light on what these definitions mean, how large-scale proteomics such as a HPP can insert into the larger omics chorus, and what we can reasonably expect from a HPP in the way it has been proposed so far.