PRIME-XS

Proteomics Research Infrastructure Maximising knowledge EXchange and access (XS)

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Genome sequencing initiated a new age in biology. Now, the emphasis is on the biological interpretation of the genome: zooming on the biological functioning of the gene-products, i.e. the proteins, emerging into a filed termed proteomics. Protein levels depend not only on mRNA levels, but also on translational controls & regulated degradation, making the measurement of expression at the protein level a prerequisite. The expression levels of all proteins, their modifications, localization and interactions, provide the most relevant single data set characterizing a biological system. The PRIME-XS consortium aims to provide state-of-the-art proteomics technologies to the European biological and biomedical research community. Its twelve partners, all leading in the field of proteomics, will provide access to their technology at six access facilities, distributed over Europe, will develop new technologies to better aid the research community in answering current day scientific questions, and will organize a wide range of meetings, courses and training events to disseminate their knowledge and expertise. Special emphasis will be placed on extending this knowledge to new member states of the European Union and other regions of Europe with less privileged availability of proteomics facilities. Access to the facilities will be advertised widely and will be open to all researchers in Europe, via an open, independently reviewed, online application system. Research proposals will be evaluated and, if selected, linked to an appropriate access facility. Many of the partners will be involved in research projects aiming at the development of new methods and tools to aid the access facilities and users. Results obtained will be communicated to both facility operators as well as user via publications, meetings and courses. Together with an industrial platform, users as well as other stakeholders, the consortium will also aim to provide the basis for a sustainable, Europe wide, proteomics community to maintain the high level of proteomics access and research, also beyond the duration of this project.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

The genome sequencing era is transitioning into proteomics, focusing on understanding of the biological functions of gene products, the proteins. A new proteomics research infrastructure grants access to state-of-the-art facilities, empowering proteomics research across Europe and strengthening scientific collaborations.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Proteomics research requires substantial technology and expertise. Empowered by available sequenced genomes, the need for proteomics becomes more wide-spread, affecting key areas of biological and medical sciences. Many scientific studies can benefit from proteomics technologies applied to their field, and now such an opportunity has appeared.

The EU-funded project 'Proteomics research infrastructure maximising knowledge exchange and access (XS)' (http://www.primexs.eu/ (PRIME-XS)) is a trans-European consortium aiming to serve the entire European biomedical research community. Twelve leading centres in the field of proteomics from nine countries are developing the latest methods and tools to better aid the research community.

Access to advanced proteomics technologies is provided at six state-of-the art facilities, distributed across Europe and open to European researchers. Technologies offered by PRIME-XS include advanced peptide separation methods, latest-generation mass spectrometers and newly developed bioinformatics tools. In addition, training courses allow more researchers to take full advantage of proteomics technology.

Between 2011 and 2014, more than 100 proteomics research projects from 21 European countries were approved by external reviewers. Some of the projects are already completed, and others are currently being performed at consortium centres.

In addition, joint research activities in PRIME-XS are facilitating further advancement of proteomics, enabling technologies to progress to the critical next level. They streamline high-throughput proteomics information handling; study protein interaction networks and sub-cellular location; characterise protein post-translational modification; and search for novel disease biomarkers. Developed technologies are transferred to the access sites and made available to life science researchers in Europe. Many protocols developed in this ongoing project are also freely available on the PRIME-XS website.

Up to 2014, PRIME-XS enabled research that has already been reported in 80 scientific publications, with more under way. The PRIME-XS consortium is benefiting proteomics research and providing the basis for information access and sharing in the proteomics community beyond the duration of this project.