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INTRODUCTION
2
Mass Spectrometry and
the SOMAscan Assay in
Biomarker Discovery
Mass spectrometry (MS) is currently the most widely used digested, and the resulting mixture of peptides is separated
discovery tool in the field of proteomics, having an impact in a chromatographically prior to analysis by MS The peptide
number of research areas, including basic biology, biomedical masses are then compared to databases, and the
research, and systems biology. The applications of MS-based observation of 2-5 key peptides confirms the presence of a
proteomics range from descriptive to quantitative, and it can be particular protein. The concentrations of the peptides can be
used for quantitative analysis of up to several hundred proteins approximated by comparison to isotopically labeled standards,
in a single liquid chromatographymass spectrometry (LC-MS) and the peptide concentrations are used as surrogates for each
experiment. MS instruments and supplies, though generally parent protein concentration.
expensive and requiring significant expertise to operate
The SOMAscan assay, which shares the goal of quantitation
reliably, are widely available.
of protein concentrations in biological fluids, takes a
The scientific literature for MS-based protein biomarker fundamentally different approach than MS. Similar to
discovery is dominated by a bottom up approach. In this most antibody-based assays, SOMAscan relies on protein
approach, proteins in a biological matrix are enzymatically conformational epitope recognition. However, unlike antibodies,
3
SOMAmer reagents can be highly multiplexed in a single binding) confer the particular strengths outlined briefly above,
experiment (currently 1,310 in the commercial version, and and also underlie the distinct technical limitations of each
over 5,000 in proprietary versions), with no upper limit yet approach.
encountered. Throughput is currently several hundred samples
The current number of proteins that can be measured from a
per day, limited only by the resources available to run the assay.
single sample using a bottom up approach with stable isotope
Finally, the SOMAscan assay is not susceptible to interference
standards is in the range of 50-200 proteins. This is far fewer
from high abundance proteins, making sample preparation a
than the number assayed in a single SOMAscan run, though
much simpler proposition than the fractionation required in MS.
recent development of data acquisition methods with relative
The different starting points of these two technologies (i.e., quantitation (e.g., SWATH) has increased this to ~500 in serum
peptide fragment separation and detection vs. protein epitope or plasma, and thousands in cell extracts.
4
Furthermore, the inability to completely chromatographically blood plasma proteins or cofactors, which could also change or
separate thousands of peptides in a digested serum or plasma alter the availability of the target epitope. These challenges for
sample precludes detection of many proteins, particularly those SOMAscan are, conversely, a particular strength of MS (e.g.,
in low abundance, some of which are likely to be critically detection of post-translational modifications, or PTMs). The
important biomarkers. In addition, many of the approaches that SOMAscan assay is also limited in the number of proteins it can
enhance mass spectrometry sensitivity, such as high-abundance detect by the number of individual SOMAmer reagents available
protein depletion, can inadvertently alter the measured for inclusion in the assay. Finally, unlike mass spectrometry,
concentration of the proteins of interest. Finally, only proteins SOMAscan is currently available at only a limited number of
that are present within the databases can be identified using institutions, though that number is growing.
this methodology. In 2012, the Human Proteome Organization
Both technologies are dependent on careful sample collection
(HUPO) had a core dataset containing 3,020 unique proteins,
and preparation, an issue that has challenged proteomics
identified based on two or more peptides. Recent work has
studies from the beginning. Recent work with SOMAscan
increased this number to >10,000, but the possibility that
has begun to uncover particular protein changes that indicate
important biomarkers can be missed is still likely (ongoing work
sample quality issues (e.g., hemolysis or protein degradation),
is trying to address this issue).
fundamental findings that could be used to enhance both
The inherent challenges of conformational epitope-binding in technologies.
SOMAscan is that any change to the strength of the interaction
Table 1 summarizes important comparisons of SOMAscan and
leads to a change in signal strength, with no direct ability to
MS-based proteomics.
distinguish between causes for the change. For example, a loss
in SOMAscan intensity could be due to a true change in protein In summary, the main advantages of SOMAscan over MS
concentration (e.g., down regulation). It could also be due to for protein biomarker discovery are sensitivity, dynamic
modification of the protein (e.g., glycosylation, phosphorylation, range, multiplexing (especially in serum or plasma due to the
etc.) in a way that partially or totally alters and/or blocks the dynamic range advantage), and throughput/turn-around-time.
epitope, or results in a conformational change of the protein The advantages indicate that SOMAscan is much faster in
that blocks or changes the epitope. In addition, many protein discovery mode. MS is a better choice when the goal is absolute
signaling pathways involve a change in complexation with other quantitation and/or understanding of PTMs.
5
Table 1
Highlighted comparisons of SOMAscan with mass spectometry
SOMAscan Mass
VS. Spectometry
3 Sensitivity >1,000
(pg/mL, median)
<5 Coefficient of variation 5-20
(% median, plasma)
65 Sample volume 30-100
requirements (L)
1310 (relative) Proteins measured (#) 50-200 (absolute)
in complex matrices < 500 (relative)
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