books in review - American Chemical Society

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books in review

Proteins and Proteomics: A Laboratory Manual Richard J. Simpson Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 2002, 926 pp, $250, ISBN 0-87969-553-6 his manual is unique among the numerous textbooks and peer-reviewed manuscripts already available that detail proteomics methods. It provides the reader with in-depth information about and knowledge of the field of proteomics such that a scientist new to this area of research can gain a firm understanding of the concepts, tools, techniques, and skills required. The layout of the manual takes the reader through the natural flow of how a proteomics project may be performed. Chapters 1 and 2 provide a general overview of the field of proteomics. The need for proteomics is stated, protein separation strategies are provided, and the importance of posttranslational modifications of proteins is discussed. The general principles of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis are explained with accompanying protocols. In Chapter 3, the preparation of cell/tissue samples for analysis by 2-D gel electrophoresis is explained. Chapter 4 describes in detail how to perform 2-D gel electrophoresis, and Chapters 5–11 explain the many ways in which one can characterize and identify proteins of interest. These chapters include methodology for mapping protein phosphorylation sites as well as characterizing protein complexes. An important aspect of proteomics is the associated bioinformatics work, which can sometimes be overlooked or underestimated. Chapter 11 explains how bioinformatics can be used, for example, identifying a gene and its homologs, predicting protein structure and function, matching proteins to pathways, and identifying the cellular roles of those proteins. This aspect

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of a proteomics experiment provides a means by which identified proteins can be put into some context and linked to other proteins, for example, by comparing phylogenetic profiles, protein-interaction databases, and signaling databases. The manual is written in a very clear and easy-to-follow style. Each chapter includes detailed diagrams and photographs that explain certain concepts, as well as sufficient background information relevant to the protocols it describes. This is invaluable to the reader because it allows a rapid visual understanding of the workflow of a particular technique/experiment or the chemistry behind chemical interactions. Most of the referenced literature is recent (mainly spanning the past 15 years but as recent as 2003) but also includes historical pioneering references. Many leading proteomics experts have contributed to this book. As a result, it contains detailed descriptions of all methodology involved in practically every aspect of current proteomics research. Protocols have been presented in detailed formats for many of the most frequently used proteomics experiments. The reader is also provided with complete source lists for all materials used, as well as links to websites that detail information about important reagents (e.g., proteases), specific protein databases, and associated information. Students, novices to the world of proteins and proteomics, and the experienced protein biochemist will likely find this manual an invaluable source of information. EMMA MCGREGOR

Proteome Sciences plc, London, U.K.

BOOKS RECEIVED Handbook of Proteomic Methods Edited by P. Michael Conn Humana Press Totowa, NJ, 2003, 510 pp, $135, ISBN 1-58829-340-8 This book catalogs the protocols and techniques necessary to identify and analyze the diversity of protein expression in cells. The protocols, discussed in step-by-step detail, cover techniques ranging from general data analysis and posttranslational modification to the more detailed applications of proteomics in the discovery of serological tumor markers.

Journal of Proteome Research • Vol. 3, No. 4, 2004

© 2004 American Chemical Society