Introduction to Proteomics: Tools for the New Biology [Paperback]

Daniel C. Liebler (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0896039927 | ISBN-13: 978-0896039926 | Publication Date: December 1, 2001 | Edition: 1st

This is an introductory, single-authored introduction to proteomics, which is currently the hottest thing in the biological sciences as it enable scientists to study the protein complement of the genome. It refers to studying the functions of many proteins at one time, as opposed to how research was conducted in the mid-90's where the technology did not enable the study of the entire protein system. From this, one is able to develop a systematic overview of the way a genome functions and the role it plays in health and disease. Daniel C. Liebler masterfully introduces the science of proteomics by spelling out the basics of how one analyzes proteins and proteomes, and just how these approaches are then employed to investigate their roles in living systems. He explains the key concepts of proteomics, how the analytical instrumentation works, what data mining and other softeware tools do, and how these tools can be integrated to study proteomes. Also discussed are how protein and peptide separation techniques are applied in proteomics, how mass spectrometry is used to identify proteins, and how data analysis software enables protein identification and the mapping of modifications. In addition, there are proteomic approaches for analyzing differential protein expression, characterising proteomic diversity, and dissecting protein-protein interactions and networks.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Professor Daniel Liebler presents a tutorial on mass spectrometry and its use in proteomics. The basics of mass spectrometers and ionization techniques are described, which is important to ascertain what type of mass spectrometer is most particular for a particular study. The ability to use mass spectrometry data to search databases is an important advance for the non-specialist, because it no longer requires the development of the skills to interpret mass spectra. A basic understanding of the fundamental of the search algorithms and their limitations is described in the book. Finally, applications of mass spectrometry to proteomics are described. This book provides and excellent introduction and overview of proteomics for the graduate student or for any biologist interested in understanding the basics of this rapidly evolving area. - From the foreword by John R. Yates, III there is a wonderful description of mass spectrometry of peptides, both simple, accurate, up-to-date and very pleasant to read. This book can be recommended for people needing an update in mass spectrometry in proteomics - Proteomics a tutorial of mass spectrometry for the biological sciences in general and more specifically for the field of proteomics, Although designated as a book for beginners, it will almost certainly find a wider audience. In particular, both academics and researchers working in associated fields with a need to hone their knowledge skills will find much to interest them in this well written book. - Chromatographia ...wonderful description of mass spectrometry of peptides, both simple, accurate, up-to-date and very pleasant to read. - Proteomics As such, it is an excellent introduction to the principles and concepts of global protein analysis and because the book is a paperback represents good value for money. Also, the book wold serve as a useful introduction to more experienced researchers wishing to learn about less well-known aspects of proteomics, particularly the sections on studying protein-protein interactions and protein modifications. The real quality of the book is that, despite having to describe some very complicated techniques and principles, it is easy to read and understand is well-written...the layout of the book is excellent and the short, titled sections of text mean that the book is easy to read and flows in a logical pattern. In summary, this book represents an excellent, value for money introduction to proteomics. The author has very successfully managed to explain the complex concepts and principles in a fashion that is easy to read and understand. The book would be an invaluable source of reference for any researcher wishing to embark on a project involving proteomics. - Natural Products Reports

From the Back Cover

Advances in genome sequencing, analytical instrumentation, and computing power have excitingly transformed the practice of biology by now making it possible to understand complex biological systems as collections of proteins-proteomes. In Introduction to Proteomics: Tools for the New Biology, Daniel C. Liebler masterfully introduces the science of proteomics by spelling out the basics of how one analyzes proteins and proteomes, and just how these approaches are then employed to investigate their roles in living systems. He explains the key concepts of proteomics, how the analytical instrumentation works, what data mining and other software tools do, and how these tools can be integrated to study proteomes. Also discussed are how protein and peptide separation techniques are applied in proteomics, how mass spectrometry is used to identify proteins, and how data analysis software enables protein identification and the mapping of modifications. In addition, there are proteomic approaches for analyzing differential protein expression, characterizing proteomic diversity, and dissecting protein-protein interactions and networks. Comprehensive, concise, and easy-to-read, Introduction to Proteomics: Tools for the New Biology provides researchers new to proteomics with all the essential concepts and background needed to use the powerful new proteomic techniques in their research, to make intelligent requests to proteomics service facilities, and to better understand and utilize the rapidly growing proteomics literature. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 198 pages
• Publisher: Humana Press; 1st edition (December 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896039927
• ISBN-13: 978-0896039926
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,638,478 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Good information, poor organization, November 4, 2003

By 

wiredweird "wiredweird" (Earth, or somewhere nearby) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Introduction to Proteomics: Tools for the New Biology (Paperback)

There really are lots of good facts in this book. Somehow, though, they never come together to form a coherent whole.

Most chapters read like essays, meant to stand on their own. That means that many chapters repeat introductory material already covered, and remake points already made. Yes, I appreciate that silver staining does not properly represent the whole range of protein expression levels. I do not appreciate the need to stat that three or four times.

Despite its "Introduction" title, the author seems to forget what a novice will need to learn. For example, there's a discussion of isoelectric focussing for protein separation. That includes mention of the technique's history, and why it used to have reproducibility problems. I never did see an exact description of what the techique actually is or how it works, though. Likewise, the author describes a number of important software packages used in proteomics. There are no screen shots, though, comparisons of capabilities, details of usage, or even references for letting me find out more on my own.

When I got to the the end of this book, I wanted to go back and review a few points. Because of the generally poor organization, it was always a struggle to figure out just which discussion covered the topics I wanted.

Other books cover almost all of this title's content, and do so more clearly. I suggest that the interested reader keep on looking.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very readable introduction to Proteomics, January 31, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Introduction to Proteomics: Tools for the New Biology (Paperback)

This very readable book provides an excellent overview of proteomics. It gives a survey of techniques, comparing them and explaining why and when they are used. This is not the place to learn any method in detail. But it is the only book I have seen that you can read cover to cover in a few days and get the big picture of the field. Some caveats: each chapter has only 3 or 4 references, and the book focuses on methods connected to mass spectrometry. But if you want a quick and pleasant introduction to methods for purifying and identifying proteins, including discussions of ICAT, protein complexes and post-translation modifications, I highly recommend this book.

2.0 out of 5 stars Not Suitable as an Introduction, June 29, 2009

By 

Linda Rice Carlton Abraham "Sandhill Garden" (Gainesville, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to Proteomics: Tools for the New Biology (Hardcover)

You don't have to get past the first page to understand that this is not the book for a beginner. No definitions, compound sentences... It reads the same way too many professors lecture these days: as though the student already knows the material. The former review is correct in that the book is a collection of essays and not an introductory text. However, if you are already an expert in proteomics you probably don't have the time or inclination to read a collection of essays... so who is this book for?