Advances in proteomics analytical techniques

Proteins are fundamental components of cells which mediate many essential biological processes. Proteomics is a rapidly growing field for the study of proteome, the protein complement expressed by the genome of an organism or cell type. The large-scale analysis of proteins leads to a more comprehensive view of molecular and cellular pathways that improves the overall understanding of the complex processes supporting the living systems. The analysis of proteome is significantly challenging due to high dynamic range and difficulties in assessment of low abundance proteins and the absence of efficient purification and identification techniques. A variety of methods have been utilized for protein studies including gel-based techniques, protein microarrays, mass spectrometry-based approaches such as MALDI and SELDI, high and ultra-performance liquid chromatography and fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. NMR spectroscopy and X-Ray crystallography methods are also used for structural study of proteins. This review aims to give a brief overview of some of the above techniques and their most recent advances. We also introduce Proteominer, a recent protein enrichment technology for the exploration of the entire proteome content

Conversion from radiologically isolated syndrome to multiple sclerosis

The aim of this study was to estimate the conversion rate from radiologically isolated syndrome [RIS] to definite multiple sclerosis [MS]. During a mean [standard deviation [SD]] follow-up period of 17.4 [5.4] [range 8-29] months, 25 subjects with RIS and without neurological symptom aged 22-45 year from a single-center have been examined for the occurrence of definite MS. The mean [SD] age of participants was 35.1 [6.2] years at first brain magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]. The definite MS were assessed using the revised McDonald's criteria [2010]. Six of 25 patients developed clinical symptom consistent with criteria for definite MS. The conversion rate from RIS to definite MS was 1.5 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54, 3.17] per 100 person-months based on 480 person-months of follow-up. Multivariate analysis revealed that presence of contrast-enhancing lesions on the initial MRI was marginally significantly associated with MS [hazard ratio 1.83, 95% CI 0.98, 3.45, P = 0.060]. This is the first estimate of conversion rate from RIS to definite MS in Iran. The conversion rates from RIS to definite MS in these participants are high and intensive follow-up and intervention strategies are recommended for these high-risk individuals. A larger study is warranted to assess this risk in greater detail