Abstract

Proteomics technologies have evolved dramatically over the last 20 years with improvements in virtually all aspects of protein analysis. We have moved a long way from using gel-based separations and profiling a few hundred proteins to highly sophisticated hyphenated techniques that can explore changes in the expression of thousands of proteins and their myriad isoforms. Improvements in sensitivity are opening-up the possibility for single-cell proteomics, whilst advanced depletion strategies and isobaric labelling are allowing unparalleled depth of analysis in large cohort plasma studies to discover very low-abundance peripheral biomarkers. Other developments in computational proteomics are allowing a wider appreciation of the importance of post-translational modifications and their utility in predicting drug response, often with greater accuracy than driver mutation screening. Combined with new modalities offering high-sensitivity and high quantitative accuracy from targeted mass spectrometry assays, the route to bring these new classes of biomarkers to the clinic is becoming faster and less expensive. Using case studies across a range of therapeutic areas I will explore the current state of proteomics in drug development and point to some of the exciting developments we can hope to see in the next decade.