Now the human genome has been fully mapped, scientists are turning their attention to the proteins coded by the genes. By analogy to the term â'genomeâ' , â'proteomeâ' is used to signify the sum total of these proteins. The study of the proteome is called proteomics. A fundamental requirement is to have available specific reagents in order to identify and locate proteins, and measure changes in their concentrations. Protein-specific antibodies are the only realistic universal solution to this need. For this reason, the HUPO Antibody Initiative was set up in 2005. Its objective is to promote the development, production and use of validated antibodies to human proteins. The HUPO Antibody Initiative is directing its work in two directions. The first is to establish a comprehensive antibody database. This will contain records of all validated antibodies as well as information on the ways in which they can be used in research. In order for this initiative to succeed, input is required not only from research scientists, but also from commercial antibody suppliers, like us at Novus Biologicals. The second area of activity is the Human Protein Atlas programme. This aims to establish a database of high-resolution images showing the location of different proteins in healthy and cancerous tissues. The images are obtained through the use of a number of different immunohistochemical methods. Immunohistochemistry uses antibodies that are tagged with markers such as fluorescent dyes and enzymes in order to visualise particular proteins of interest within tissues. The initial aim is to compile data for 8000 proteins by the end of 2009. Ultimately, the hope is to have a draft version of the Atlas covering the complete human proteome by the end of 2015. With the aid of antibodies, proteomics will increase our understanding of how the body functions in health and in disease. The knowledge should lead to a host of practical applications.
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