Proteomics Research Blog

Authors: Henning Boekhoff, Jana S. Röder

Proteins are key players in cellular functions. They are encoded by their corresponding genes, but protein functions and activity are remarkably diverse and dynamic, largely due to post-translational modifications (PTMs). PTMs are covalent chemical changes to the side chains of amino acids that occur after protein synthesis, enhancing protein diversity across life forms from Archaea to Eukaryotes. This mechanism complements the complex network of proteomic regulation, greatly expanding upon gene expression, gene duplication, and alternative splicing. While the genome acts as a blueprint, providing the necessary information to build a functioning cell, the proteome is a complex structure that vastly extends beyond the blueprint’s scope. 

Authors: Jana S. Röder, Henning Boekhoff

Biomarkers for Precision Medicine: Shaping Diagnostics and Medical Care 

Modern medicine relies on precise diagnostics and reliable patient stratification to provide the best possible patient care. However, most diseases are still defined by symptom descriptions and selecting the best treatment option can be a trial-and-error approach. This places a burden on patients and healthcare systems, as treatments are often not as effective and as adapted to the disease as they should be. This can lead to undertreatment of certain patient subpopulations and even to adverse events without treatment benefit. Precision medicine aims to change this by using molecular mechanisms for disease definition and treatment selection.  

Authors: Henning Boekhoff, Jana S. Röder

Authors: Jana S. Röder, Henning Boekhoff

Dengue is caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which is transmitted by multiple Aedes mosquito species. The disease has spread globally due to globalization, but infections are currently most common in tropical and subtropical regions. Endemic transmission of the dengue virus is mainly reported in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Americas, Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific, and Africa. However, transmissions have also been reported in Europe and the United States. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a near historic peak of dengue cases: there were over five million cases and more than 5000 dengue-related deaths. Close to 80 % of these cases, or 4.1 million, have been reported in the region of the Americas. The WHO states that the actual disease burden is likely higher, due to under-reporting of infections. It is estimated that more than half of the world’s population lives in areas affected by dengue virus. Dengue is a global threat. 

Dengue is a disease caused by dengue virus (DENV), which is transmitted by Aedes species. Dengue is a global threat. Simple and inexpensive strategies for the identification of patients with severe or life-threatening illness are urgently needed.