A major problem facing protein researchers is the sheer complexity of the proteome. Purification and analysis of low-abundance species is especially problematic. Qiagen's Qproteome product line aims to either reduce proteome complexity or to fractionate complex protein samples for subsequent analysis.
The strategy allows researchers to separate, purify and characterise lower-abundance proteins from complex proteomes.
The portfolio includes kits that separate proteins based on glycosylation patterns. Proteins based on sub-cellular localisation, affinity to nucleic acids, or overall solubility can also be separated. These kits can also be used to localize biomarkers in cells grown under different conditions or isolated from different tissues.
Protein fractionation and depletion protocols are increasingly used in parallel to and in combination with nucleic acid sample preparation and analysis products. It allows scientists to create subclasses of proteins required for subsequent analysis.
The quality of the fractionation is key to the sensitivity and reliability of analysis technologies such as PAGE (protein analysis gel electrophoresis) and mass spectrometry. Scientists can identify and validate diagnostic markers or drug targets making it suitable for the academic, biopharmaceutical and biomedical fields.
Kits are also available for depletion of albumin and IgG from serum or plasma samples. The depletion facilitates analysis of low-abundance blood proteins, which could be obscured by the presence of large proportions of albumin and IgG in the sample. Separation delivers proteins into distinct fractions for further downstream analysis.
"Modern system biology analyses gene-protein and protein-protein relationships and interactions," said Dr. Joachim Schorr, Qiagen's senior vice president of R&D.
"The Qproteome product line provides a tool to the rapidly growing customer base in both research and molecular diagnostics," he added.
The Qproteome Kits will be available from the end of January.