UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION OF PROTEINS FROM SMALL GENOME ORGANISMS - THEORETICAL FEASIBILITY OF HIGH-THROUGHPUT PROTEOME ANALYSIS

We evaluate current levels of accuracy for estimation of molecular wei ght (M-r) and isoelectric point (pr) to proteins on two-dimensional (2 -D) gels as well as the distribution and clustering of proteins in the predicted proteome of E. coli. We also examine the ability to find si ngle candidates within the predicted proteome for matching to a protei n seen on 2-D gels, based on the current level of accuracy. We discuss the levels of accuracy needed to match predicted proteins to observed proteins based solely on M, and pi criteria obtained from genomic inf ormation, and propose methodology to achieve this level of accuracy. I n addition, we will address the future goals of this work since the sm all genomes of bacteria provide a foundation and stepping stone to sim ilar studies in higher organisms.