Recent developments and contributions from Chinese scientists in multidimensional separations for proteomics and traditional Chinese medicines

Abstract

ReviewRecent developments and contributions from Chinese scientists in multidimensional separations for proteomics and traditional Chinese medicinesThe most basic task in proteomics remains the detection and identification of proteins from a biological sample, and the most traditional way to achieve this goal consists in protein separations performed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE). Yet the 2-D PAGE-mass spectrometry (MS) approach has its drawbacks with regard to automation, sensitivity, and throughput. Consequently, considerable effort has been devoted to the development of non-gel-based proteome separation technologies in an effort to alleviate the shortcomings of 2-D PAGE. In addition, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), due to their long period of clinical testing and reliable therapeutic efficacy, are attracting increased global attention. However, hundreds or even thousands of components are usually present in TCMs, which results in great difficulties of separation. As a mainstream separation tool, multidimensional liquid separation systems have shown powerful separation ability, high peak capacity, and excellent detectability in the analysis of complex samples including biological samples and TCMs, etc. Therefore, this review emphasizes the most recent advances in multidimensional liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis-based separation techniques, and the corresponding applications in proteomics and TCMs. In view of the significant contributions from Chinese scientists, this review focuses mainly on the work of Chinese scientists in the above fields.

Immuno-Modulatory Effects of Phytomedicines Evaluated Using Omics Approaches

“…The current integrative approach used in proteomics is in line with the practice and holistic philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Recent advances in multidimensional liquid chromatography, coupled with free-flow electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis-based separation techniques, make it possible in separation of hundreds or even thousands of protein components in some medical plants [82,83]. We may able now to explore an increased understanding of such complex mixtures and the reputed medicinal effects at the cellular and molecular levels through proteomics studies; it holds a key to the big demand for modernization and internationalization of a number of traditional phyto-medicines [83].…”

Proteomic Analysis of the Effect of Fuzheng Huayu Recipe on Fibrotic Liver in Rats

“…It is difficult to understand the complicated action mechanisms of TCMs fully with conventional methodologies such as western blot analysis, which can semiquantitatively determine the expression of proteins of interest [7]. Proteomics and other system biology approaches could simultaneously generate large biological data sets and provide powerful tools for the understanding of the mechanisms of TCM [8]. Especially, the comparison of the expressional proteome between normal and diseased sample (cells or tissue) or between the diseased and treated sample would be very helpful to explore disease- or drug- specific differential proteome and can lead to identify the molecular targets involved in different pathophysiological states of the diseases and to understand the complex action mechanisms of medicines including TCM.…”

Application of Proteomics in Chinese Medicine Research

“…Proteomics technologies can be used to screen the target molecules of the action of TCM, isolate and characterize new active components, as well as analyze toxic substances from TCM. Coupling recent advances in multidimensional liquid chromatography, free-flow electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis-based separation techniques, it is now possible to separate the hundreds or even thousands of components in TCM (Gao et al, 2007). Since proteomics aids in understanding the complex mechanisms of TCM at the cellular and molecular levels, it has great meanings to the modernization and internationalization of TCM (Wen and Han, 2004).…”