Proteomic analysis of cell fate decision

The field of proteomics is progressing at a rapid pace, developing from primarily a specialist technology to a valuable tool in biological research. Importantly, the establishment of mass spectrometry as a quantitative method, miniaturisation of liquid chromatography techniques, and improved sensitivity of mass-spectrometric instrumentation now enable near-complete monitoring of cellular proteome dynamics. An increasing number of studies are therefore now applying quantitative proteomics to study proteins and posttranslational modifications in stem cells, to reveal molecular mechanisms and pathways underlying pluripotency, differentiation and reprogramming.