D58 Biomedical Omics (BO)

Course Introduction: Proteomics and Metabolomics in Biomedicine

In the age of systems biology and personalized medicine, the study of proteomics, metabolomics, and other 'omics' disciplines has become indispensable across diverse scientific fields. These disciplines have gained prominence thanks to the advances in genome sequencing, bioinformatics, and cutting-edge analytical technologies, driving significant progress in biochemistry and analytical chemistry. Proteomics, which focuses on the large-scale study of proteins—the fundamental building blocks of life—along with metabolomics, which examines the small molecules in biological systems, are now key to unraveling complex biological processes and disease mechanisms.

This Master’s course is designed to provide both foundational knowledge and insight into the most recent breakthroughs in mass spectrometry, proteomics, and metabolomics. The curriculum aims not only to impart theoretical understanding but also to apply this knowledge in practice through interactive assignments and hands-on laboratory experiences. By engaging in real-world data analysis and experimental work, students will develop the scientific reasoning necessary to approach contemporary biomedical challenges.

One of the primary goals of this course is to cultivate a deep understanding of the principles and broad applications of proteomics and metabolomics in biomedical research. Special emphasis will be placed on innovative technologies and emerging research frontiers, ensuring that students are well-prepared to contribute to cutting-edge developments in these fields.

Course Structure

The first half of the course will concentrate on methodologies used for protein purification, analysis, and identification. Students will explore a range of techniques from basic workflows to advanced mass spectrometry-based approaches. In the second half, the focus will shift to specific real-world applications, featuring case studies from the latest scientific literature. These case studies will examine comparisons between healthy and diseased biological specimens, new methodologies for analyzing signal transduction pathways, and the comprehensive analysis of protein-protein interactions and post-translational modifications in various cell types.

A dedicated section will cover metabolomics, focusing on its principles and role in deciphering metabolic pathways, disease biomarkers, and therapeutic interventions. Students will gain an integrated perspective on how metabolomics complements proteomics in biomedical research.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will:

• Understand core concepts: Develop a solid foundation in proteomics and metabolomics, including key technologies such as mass spectrometry, various instruments, and quantitative techniques used in both fields.
• Evaluate methodologies: Gain the ability to critically assess different approaches based on manual workload, cost-efficiency, sensitivity, scalability, and specific research needs.
• Design proteomics workflows: Learn to construct and evaluate workflows, from sample preparation and mass spectrometry data acquisition to data analysis and interpretation.
• Perform data analysis: Acquire hands-on experience in processing raw proteomic and metabolomic data, including conversion to standardized formats, conducting quality control, and identifying proteins using bioinformatics tools.
• Explore applications in biomedicine: Understand the broad applications of proteomics and metabolomics in biomedical and biological research, including disease diagnosis, therapeutic target discovery, and personalized medicine approaches.