Gafni Ari
Institute of Gerontology, Department of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics Research Division, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Sci Aging Knowledge Environ. 2004 Nov 10;2004(45):pe41. doi: 10.1126/sageke.2004.45.pe41.
Aging is characterized by changes in a variety of cellular phenotypes, which in turn are caused by alterations in the concentrations, compositions, and interactions of cellular proteins. The characterization of these age-associated protein alterations and of their effect on the ability of the organism to maintain homeostasis is thus of critical importance. Proteomics is an emerging scientific discipline that focuses on the determination and analysis of the entire protein complement of a cell (termed the proteome) and of its distribution within the cell. Proteomic analysis provides information about the levels of protein expression under a variety of conditions and about the nature of posttranscriptional modifications, and reveals specific protein complexes. By comparing the proteomes of young and old cells under a variety of conditions, detailed information on the molecular basis of their different phenotypes can be obtained. Although still under development, this scientific discipline holds great promise for aging-related research.
