#USA #San Diego #Illumina #UK Biobank #Proteomics

Illumina Launches Cutting-Edge Proteomics Initiative

Illumina, Inc., a leading name in DNA sequencing and technologies, has initiated an ambitious pilot proteomics program destined to revolutionize research methodologies within the biopharmaceutical field. In collaboration with the UK Biobank and renowned partners such as deCODE Genetics, Standard BioTools, and pharmaceutical giants like GSK, Johnson & Johnson, and Novartis, this joint venture aims to analyze a significant number of samples, totaling 50,000.

The Significance of Proteomics

Proteomics, the large-scale study of proteins, provides valuable insights into cellular functions, ultimately enhancing our understanding of health and disease dynamics. By analyzing these proteins, researchers can discover vital biomarkers associated with various conditions, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Armed with this data, pharmaceutical companies can accelerate drug discovery and development by leveraging protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs). These genetic networks symbolize a cornerstone in modern drug design, integrating genetic variation with protein expression in disease contexts.

Mechanism of the Program

This groundbreaking pilot program will utilize Illumina’s innovative Protein Prep assay, which is based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) and powered by SOMAmer technology. With the capability to detect approximately 9,000 unique human proteins, the Protein Prep is designed to facilitate extensive protein discovery, easing the identification of pQTLs. The project is poised to advance our understanding of proteomics through high-throughput methodologies, thus enabling researchers worldwide to access newfound data on protein interactions and functions.

Steve Barnard, PhD, chief technology officer at Illumina, expresses enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "UK Biobank data has set the standard as a reference dataset for the omics community. We believe this pilot program will create a wealth of high-quality, NGS-based proteomics data for the research and pharmaceutical fields."

The Data Collection Process

In this endeavor, the UK Biobank will facilitate access to samples drawn from participants involved in its ongoing Pharma Proteomics Project, which already engages numerous biopharmaceutical entities. Beginning with the initial 30,000 samples, these will be processed by deCODE Genetics utilizing the Illumina Protein Prep solution and the advanced NovaSeq X Plus system. The analysis will be conducted through the DRAGEN Protein Quantification pipeline, ensuring a robust and reliable methodology.

Timeline and Future Access

UK Biobank intends to provide immediate access to data collected from the first 30,000 samples, pending quality control, aimed for the latter half of 2025. Once this phase is completed, participating industry members will benefit from an exclusive access period for the additional 20,000 samples, aligning with the UK Biobank's standard practices. Following this, the broader scientific community will also gain access to the full dataset, enabling collaborative research efforts.

Professor Sir Rory Collins, Principal Investigator of UK Biobank, highlights the project's potential impact, noting, "The introduction of rich proteomic data will empower researchers to uncover how genetics, environment, and lifestyle collectively influence disease development."

A Transformative Era for Proteomics

As the field of proteomics continues to evolve, the advent of advanced technologies breaks down previous limitations, driving unprecedented growth in research avenues. According to Michael Egholm, PhD, CEO of Standard BioTools, this program symbolizes a turning point for proteomic approaches, allowing researchers to seamlessly integrate robust DNA-based SOMAmer technologies to enhance proteomic studies significantly.

Looking Ahead

With a myriad of implications for understanding human health, this collaborative effort among Illumina, UK Biobank, and other industry leaders signifies a pivotal step towards unlocking the full potential of proteomic sciences. As more organizations are expected to join this consortium to expand the scope of research, the scientific community can look forward to transformative breakthroughs in healthcare discoveries and disease management solutions. The Illumina Protein Prep assay is slated to officially launch in the first half of 2025, promising to reshape the landscape of proteomic research and applications.