Protein identification is an important part of proteomics research used to identify an unknown protein or characterize a known protein. The document reviews several methods for protein identification including mass spectrometry, tandem MS, western blot, and peptide mass fingerprinting. It also discusses using a combination of these approaches to more successfully identify proteins. Developments in label-free protein quantification will further influence protein identification methods.

1. The Complete Guide to Protein
Identification
Edited by
Creative Proteomics
Biotech/Biochemistry Company
Shirley, NY, USA

2. Introduction
• As a significant part of proteomics research,
protein identification is widely used to identify a
protein or characterize a protein. But how can
one identify a protein successfully? A very direct
answer is to find the sequence of amino acids of
the protein, but as we all know, the process is
time-consuming and annoying due to the
necessary procedures,including the usage of
several restriction enzymes and running gels and
finding masses… and so on. After all those steps,
one has to think about if the protein of interest
has been identified already.

3. • With the emerging of Proteomics on the basis
of human genome project, the discipline
makes purpose to determine the presence
and quantity of proteins. Like gene
sequencing, protein identification (sequence
of amino acids of the protein) is important to
facilitate a systematic understanding of key
biological knowledge, for example, protein
structure, protein function, and protein
evolution.

4. Protein structure

5. Protein function

6. Protein evolution

7. Tools
• Mass spectrometry
• Tandem MS
• Western Blot
• Peptide Mass Fingerprinting

8. Methods
• Mass spectrometry---MALDI-TOF based
protein fingerprinting/LC-MS/MS based
peptide sequencing
• Western Blot---Colorimetric
detection/Fluorescent
detection/Chemiluminescent detection
• Peptide Mass Fingerprint

9. Conclusion
• Combination of different approaches also is
also commitment to achieving a greater depth
of analysis and making progress in protrin
identification. Another hot topic, label-free
MS-basedprotein quantification, is beyond the
scope of this review, but developments in it
will also influence protein-identification
methods and requirements.