Decoding Cellular Language Using Advanced Proteomics Method

Researchers from HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus working with scientists at Stanford University and the Broad Institute have designed advanced proteomics tools to decode cellular communications that help further unravel means by which cells communicate, and how cells work in tandem.

The transition from unicellular to multicellular organisms set the very foundation for all complex biological systems over hundreds of millions of years. Standing at the heart of such evolution, however, is an unassuming but very energetic interface of life, the cell surface, where cells converse in an intricately designed molecular language. Communication at the surface of the cell is a prerequisite for cells to express their functions and its understanding is key to deciphering the secrets regarding the functioning of organisms and how organisms develop diseases.

Heading this research at Janelia is Jiefu Li. He likens the body to a society of cells, all speaking in their own tongue. This, Li says, is where biologists are; they have to decipher this language so that cellular interactions could be much better understood. Indeed, new findings led by Li and his colleagues illustrated just how proteomics study of proteins inside cells can reveal the molecular language of life.

PEELing ( Peptide Elongation and Excision-based Labelling) is a very user-friendly tool developed by Li research group to provide easier access for researchers to interpret complex data in spatial proteomics. It mainly targets cell surface proteins for mapping crucial molecular interactions in cellular communication. Hence researchers would be able to find and trace changes in their proteins when exposed to different environments through advanced proteomics made more accessible to a wider scientific community.

Proteomics Paving the Way to Simplify Cellular Studies

Jiefu Li’s foray into proteomics began at Stanford, where he designed novel ways to investigate cell surface proteins. But as the techniques started catching on with more biologists, many found themselves scrambling because few had any background in chemical biology, let alone proteomics. So Li developed PEELing, an intuitive web interface that streamlines interpretation of spatial proteomics data, making it possible for researchers from around the world to tap these sophisticated tools without requiring considerable technical know-how.

The development of PEELing is the perfect example of the collaborative spirit in force at the Janelia Research Campus, as biologists and computer scientists team up to develop tools for the greater scientific community. This platform not only democratizes access to proteomics but showcases the broad applicability of these methods. In a nutshell, Li’s team shows that proteomics truly addresses an impressively wide range of biological questions, everything from how neurons talk to each other in developing brains to deciphering immune responses, while significantly advancing our understanding of these critical processes.

Proteomics is inherently suited for such tasks, since proteins are active participants in nearly all cellular processes. The investigation into the proteins present on the cell surface, where much of this communication occurs, would give scientists insight into cellular communication unlike any other. The tools developed by Li’s team make it possible, not only to identify such proteins but also to understand how they change and interact with each other during cellular communication.

Understanding the Cellular Language

Work by Li and colleagues represents a quantum leap in our ability to decode the language of cells. For the first time, by using proteomics, investigators are able to translate the molecular signals into the language that dictates the behavior of cells. The implications are enormous, not only in tackling some of the most fundamental questions of biology but also in devising new strategies to fight disease. While much of cellular communication remains to be unfolded, there is little doubt that breakthroughs resulting from insights in proteomics will revolutionize our understanding of life.

I am now left with the thought of how such research has the power to reshape our view on biology. It is not only a technical capability but shows the new frontier of science wherein the mystery of life is being transformed into valued knowledge to be shared by humankind. The future of biology rests on our continued ability to understand and decipher cellular conversations that support life, and it depends on proteomics.

Know more about PEELing here.