Application of Proteomics in Chinese Medicine Research

Abstract

Proteomics technologies can be applied to simultaneously study the function, organization, diversity, and dynamic variety of a cell or a whole tissue. The integrative approach of proteomics is in line with the holistic concept and practices of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In this review, the technologies of proteomics, their adoption leverages the depth and breadth of TCM research are introduced. This article presents some examples to illustrate the use of proteomics technologies in the study of pharmacological effects and their action mechanisms relevant to TCM. Proteomics technologies could be used to screen the target molecules of the TCM actions, identify new bioactive components, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of their effects. With proteomics approaches, it was found that the Siwu decoction could regulate the protein expression of the bone marrow of blood (Xue) deficient mice, including some proteins and enzymes involved in the hemopoiesis system. Ganoderma lucidum spores might promote the survival and axon regeneration of injured spinal motor neurons in rats by regulating the expression levels of proteins involved in the energy and tissue regeneration system. Polygonatum zanlanscianense Pamp exhibited cytotoxicity towards human myeloblast leukemia HL-60 cells through multiple apoptosis-including pathways. Panax ginseng might be beneficial to patients suffering from diabetes mellitus and its complications by alleviating inflammation. Taken together with a discussion on the challenges and perspectives, this paper provides an overview of the recent developments of proteomics technologies in TCM research, and contends that proteomics will play an important role in the modernization and internationalization of TCM.

Omics: A Newer Technique in Herbal Drug Standardization & Quantification

“…Proteomics, now a day's is becoming a valuable tool for elucidating multi-target effects of complex herbal preparations, discovery of single bioactive compounds, development of active fractions, characterization of secure herbal prescriptions and eventually modified molecular diagnosis. 39 …”

Immuno-Modulatory Effects of Phytomedicines Evaluated Using Omics Approaches

“…Having the genomic data available, many new 'drug-able' targets based on transcriptomics study have been identified, opening up new insights into explanations of biological systems at a global scale. Additionally, through proteomics, we are witnessing the development of wonderful and multi-application tools for studying various signaling or mechanism systems at the level of proteins and proteinprotein interactions [20,21]. In the meantime, studies on glycol-biology and bioactive polysaccharides are making great leaps in glycomics research; similarly, studies on regulation and metabolic control of a spectrum of lipids are creating new approaches for "lipidomics".…”

“…Proteomics technologies were applied to simultaneously study the function, organization, diversity, and the dynamic variety of total or a subset of proteins at the cellular or tissue levels [21]. The current integrative approach used in proteomics is in line with the practice and holistic philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).…”

Toxic plants: a chemist’s perspective

“…Proteomic studies have also been conducted on plants of toxic and medicinal interest, and not surprisingly plants from TCM have been the focus [138]. Two studies have been reported on the genus Scutellaria.…”