Two-dimensional map of human brain proteins

Samples of human brain from the parietal cortex lobe were analyzed by two-d imensional gel electrophoresis, using immobilized pH gradient strips coveri ng the various pH regions. The protein spots were visualized with colloidal Coomassie blue stain and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/io nization mass spectrometry. Approximately 400 spots were identified, corres ponding to 180 different brain proteins. The list of identified proteins in cludes a targe number of structural proteins and of enzymes or enzyme subun its with various catalytic activities. The majority of proteins are localiz ed in the cytoplasma and in mitochondria. The two-dimensional map may be us eful as a reference database to study changes in the protein level caused b y Various disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, major depression and schi zophrenia.