Integration of large-scale multi-omic datasets: A protein-centric view

Innovative mass spectrometry-based proteomics has enabled routine measurements of protein abundance, localization, interactions, and modifications, covering unique aspects of gene expression regulation and function. It is now time to move from isolated analyses of these datasets toward true integration of proteomics with other data types to gain insights from the interactions and interdependencies of biomolecules. When combined with genomic or transcriptomic data, proteomics expands genome annotation to identify variant or missing genes. Dynamic proteomic measurements can move analysis from predominantly concentration-based framework to that of synthesis and degradation of proteins. Proteomic data from thousands of cancer patients can foster identification of novel pathogenic mutations via detection of protein sequence changes that lead to dysregulated pathways in various tumors. Such comprehensive efforts can exploit the synergy arising from large and complex datasets to advance virtually every field of biology.