Proteome Characterization Center: A Genoproteomics Pipeline for Cancer Biomarkers

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In this application, we propose to establish an integrated proteome characterization center (PCC) with an outstanding team of scientists and clinicians in order to construct a cancer biomarker pipeline using genoproteomic approaches. This multidisciplinary team consists of internationally recognized experts in clinical oncology, clinical chemistry, cancer biology, proteomic technologies, proteomics/genomics-specific bioinformatics, biostatistics and experimental design, metrology/standards, technology optimization, assay construction, project management and patient advocacy. The plan is to connect genomics with proteomics (genoproteomics). We believe that genomic data provides a highly valuable molecular route towards the identification of genes and pathways that could be useful for the detection, differential diagnosis, outcome prediction and therapeutic targets of cancer. The proteomic approaches will provide the identification of unique features that are inherent to proteins including post-translational modifications, such as glycosylation and phosphorylation. We propose a two- step strategy to construct an evidence-based, proteomic biomarker pipeline for ovarian and other carcinomas. The first step is the discovery of candidate biomarkers from genomic data including TCGA using mass spectrometry and affinity based technologies on human specimens. The goal is to comprehensively characterize tumor and normal biospecimens and identify their protein composition in order to systematically identify and prioritize cancer-related proteins for advancement to verification. The second step is the verification of these candidates using targeted assays. The goal is to generate accurate, reproducible, sensitive, quantitative, multiplex assays using optimized and standardized high-throughput technologies for the discovered biomarkers. While this application is not intended to conduct large scale clinical studies, we believe that the ultimate clinical application and the performance characteristics of these assays should be clearly defined. With this multidisciplinary team of outstanding scientists and clinicians, our PCC offers the best opportunity for the success of biomarker discovery and verification for personalized cancer medicine. RELEVANCE (See instructions): Understanding the molecular networking in carcinogenesis is essential for the development of a successful strategy to reduce cancer mortality. Based on the genomic alterations identified from TCGA and other sources, this application will focus on the development of a clinically useful protein biomarker pipeline using state-of-the art proteomics technologies for personalized cancer medicine.