Abstract:

The term “Proteome” roughly reflects the protein equivalent of the well known term “genome”. It describes the complete set of proteins present in a biological system at a given point in time and under a particular set of environmental conditions. Thus, the proteome represents a snapshot of protein composition in a given experimental system. As a snapshot, it does not reveal the dynamic interactions between the individual proteins in large protein complexes, which play a major role in cell functions. Efforts to capture the workings of dynamic protein interaction is limited by the current state of development of analytical technology . Innovations in the proteomics field call for a close international collaboration of experts from various disciplines. Recognising the need for accelerated progress in this area, the European Commission in its Sixth Research Framework Programme, supports interdisciplinary proteomics research projects. The “Integrated Project” INTERACTION PROTEOME [1] is currently the largest EU-project in proteomics and will be funded over five years (1.1.2004 – 31.12.2008). It brings together eleven institutions from six European countries to develop novel technologies and methods for the investigation of protein interactions. Essential components of the foreseen strategy are presented below.

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