It's in Our Blood: A Glimpse of Personalized Medicine. Issue 1 (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lamb, John R.; Jennings, Lori L.; Gudmundsdottir, Valborg; Gudnason, Vilmundur; Emilsson, Valur
• Is Part Of: Trends in molecular medicine. Volume 27:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 20
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: blood proteome -- biological networks -- personalized medicine -- holistic disease state; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; Physiology, Pathological -- Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.09.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-4914

Abstract

Abstract : Recent advances in protein profiling technology has facilitated simultaneous measurement of thousands of proteins in large population studies, exposing the depth and complexity of the plasma and serum proteomes. This revealed that proteins in circulation were organized into regulatory modules under genetic control and closely associated with current and future common diseases. Unlike networks in solid tissues, serum protein networks comprise members synthesized across different tissues of the body. Genetic analysis reveals that this cross-tissue regulation of the serum proteome participates in systemic homeostasis and mirrors the global disease state of individuals. Here, we discuss how application of this information in routine clinical evaluations may transform the future practice of medicine. Highlights: Parallel measurements of thousands of plasma and serum proteins in populations give an unprecedented view of the complexity of the protein content of blood. Serum proteins exist in coregulated modules that are genetically controlled and to which all tissues contribute. Modules are closely associated with past, current, and future diseases of diverse etiologies. Measurements of serum proteins en masse can facilitate the yet largely unrealized promise of personalized medicine and, where additional treatment-specific biomarkers of response or adverse events can be derived. This offers numeric classification of individuals. With routine use in clinical practice, measurement of serum proteins could change the focus of medicine from treating illness to preventing its onset.