Our ability to cost-effectively analyze mRNA isoforms at scale will bring profound advancements to basic and translational research. The added resolution may unexpectedly boost proteomics as well.
Simon - Thanks for writing this. Very helpful. My friend at U Penn, Ian Blair, is using targeted mass spec to elucidate the proteoforms in different settings. For example, the genetic disease, Friedreichs Ataxia (FRDA), where he discovered a novel splice variant of the deficient frataxin protein. Even "simple" genetic diseases appear more complex than anticipated, and such insight is vital for developing effective therapies. Ian has also done seminal work on clarifying the proteoforms of the cryptic molecule HMGB1. Unfortunately, the HMGB1 literature is contaminated with incompetent and fraudulent mass spec which has caused immense confusion. Mass spec proteomics as done by Ian has a huge amount to offer right now. Kevin
Simon - Thanks for writing this. Very helpful. My friend at U Penn, Ian Blair, is using targeted mass spec to elucidate the proteoforms in different settings. For example, the genetic disease, Friedreichs Ataxia (FRDA), where he discovered a novel splice variant of the deficient frataxin protein. Even "simple" genetic diseases appear more complex than anticipated, and such insight is vital for developing effective therapies. Ian has also done seminal work on clarifying the proteoforms of the cryptic molecule HMGB1. Unfortunately, the HMGB1 literature is contaminated with incompetent and fraudulent mass spec which has caused immense confusion. Mass spec proteomics as done by Ian has a huge amount to offer right now. Kevin