From proteomics to genomics

Presently, science is moving from genomics to proteomics in order to get insight into the functional network of gene expression. Actually however, proteomics is much older than genomics and dates back to the introduction of the two-dimensional gel electrophoresis technique (2-DE) independently by Klose and O'Farrell. Based on this approach almost all cellular proteins can be separated. New developments in mass spectrometry allowed identification of single spots in the 2-DE protein pattern, including the underlying genes. Joachim Klose has focused his pioneering 2-DE studies on mouse models with special emphasis on quantitative protein variants. According to him, proteins are living molecules exhibiting a characteristic protein phenotype.