Proteomics - post-genomic cartography to understand gene function

The completion of the genomic sequences of numerous organisms from human an d mouse to Caenorhabditis elegans and many microorganisms. and the definiti on of their genes provides a database to interpret cellular protein-express ion patterns and relate them to protein function. Proteomics technologies t hat are dependent on mass spectrometry and involve two-dimensional gel elec trophoresis are providing the main window into the world of differential pr otein-expression analysis. In this article, the limitations and expectation s of this research field are examined and the future of the analytical need s of proteomics is explored.