Zoological proteomics is an interesting branch of science that is dedicated to the study of the proteome - the complete set of proteins expressed by an individual (human or animal), tissue, or cell type, in the context of zoology.
Image Credit: Gilles Brignardello/Shutterstock.com
Zoological proteomics is crucial for understanding the diverse array of proteins found in various animals and their significance in species classification (taxonomy) and physiology.
Advances in this field are vital to expanding our understanding of numerous zoological aspects, such as species identification, evolutionary history and relationships, protein function, animal responses to environmental changes, animal responses to disease and health, and conservation genetics.
Zoological proteomics is a powerful tool that enables us to advance our understanding of animal biology. By delving further into the proteome, scientists can further our knowledge of the complex mechanisms responsible for the diversity of life found on planet Earth.
Methods in Zoological Proteomics
The field of zoological proteomics relies on a number of tools and techniques to facilitate protein characterization and quantification.
Mass spectrometry (MS) can be considered the central technique in proteomics. It involves the measurement of mass-to-charge ratios of ions, which gives key information about the proteins being studied, such as their composition and structure.
Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is another widely used tool in zoological proteomics. The technique identifies and quantifies proteins by separating them using LC and then analyzing them with MS.
Quantitative proteomics tools, such as SILAC, TMT, and iTRAQ, are also commonly used to measure the abundance of a protein in a sample. These techniques are frequently used in comparative studies.
Bioinformatics tools such as BLAST, InterPro, and GO are often used to analyze proteomic data, to perform functional annotation and predict protein function.
Understanding Proteins as Markers
Proteins, or sets of proteins, can be used as markers for taxonomic classification. These markers are used in zoological proteomics to provide valuable insights into physiological processes in a number of ways.
Certain protein markets can be used for protein barcoding, which allows scientists to distinguish and classify species from a set of proteins, helping to determine the taxonomic identity of an organism.
Sequences of amino acids obtained from specific species can help scientists compare and contrast to gain vital information on evolutionary relationships.
Unique proteins can also be used as diagnostic biomarkers; this is important for disease ecology and wildlife health studies.
Comparative Proteomics
Comparing protein expressions across different species or within a single species under differing conditions can help scientists uncover key insights into physiological responses and evolutionary adaptations.
With comparative proteomics, scientists can investigate the similarities and differences in the expression of certain proteins between species. By doing so, proteins can be identified that have evolved in response to certain environmental conditions, pressures, and ecological niches. These studies can also help scientists recognize proteins associated with adaptive traits.
Comparative proteomics can also reveal the molecular basis of how certain species or populations respond to environmental changes. This information can inform conservation efforts. For example, one 2008 study used comparative proteomics to identify a protein that played a vital role in protecting rice cells from stress from exposure to arsenic.
Bioprospecting
Insights obtained from zoological proteomics can also play a vital role in guiding bioprospecting, a field of science focused on searching for plants and animals with potential commercial applications; this is especially important for the pharmaceutical industry.
Zoological proteomics contributes to bioprospecting in the pharmaceutical industry by identifying and characterizing venoms and toxins that contain proteins with medicinal properties.
This field of science is also able to identify proteins of various organisms that may serve a purpose as novel drug candidates.
Zoological proteomics can also give important pharmacological insights, such as helping to identify the mechanism of actions of bioactive compounds and revealing information about the structure-function relationships of animal proteins so that they can be used in effective pharmaceutical agents. For example, in 1981, the first animal toxin-based drug, which was developed from snake venom, received approval for in-human use.
Conservation Efforts
Gaining a deeper understanding of protein biomarkers is vitally important to advancing conservation strategies, particularly those dealing with endangered species. Protein biomarkers, which are commonly obtained via zoological proteomics studies, provide critical information that guides and enhances conservation efforts.
For example, protein biomarkers can reveal genetic variation among a population, which can help scientists assess the health of certain populations. Changes in protein expressions in animal populations can be indicative of health and stress levels. Identifying changes in expressions can alert scientists to species or populations that are in need of help.
Proteomic analysis can also provide important insights into the reproductive health of an endangered species, which can guide conservation strategies.
Conclusion
Overall, zoological proteomics is an important tool for deepening our understanding of animal biology. This field of science greatly contributes to species classification and identification as well as conservation efforts. Zoological proteomic techniques are also widely used by the pharmaceutical industry and will continue to be vitally important.
Sources:
Ahsan, N. et al. (2008). Comparative proteomic study of arsenic-induced differentially expressed proteins in rice roots reveals glutathione plays a central role during as stress. PROTEOMICS, 8(17), pp. 3561–3576. doi.org/10.1002/pmic.200701189.
Bordon, K. de. et al. (2020). From Animal Poisons and Venoms to medicines: Achievements, challenges and perspectives in Drug Discovery. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11. doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.01132.
Ferreira, S.H. (1965). A bradykinin‐potentiating factor (BPF) present in the venom of bothrops jararaca. British Journal of Pharmacology and Chemotherapy, 24(1), pp. 163–169. doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.1965.tb02091.x.
Further Reading