People are unique not only due to their genetic makeup but also because of factors like lifestyle, disease, and environment. These factors are reflected in the human proteome or the complete set of proteins our genes express. Both the genome and proteome influence how diseases affect us and how we respond to medications. To develop new diagnostics and drugs, and to personalize treatments, it’s important to consider the wealth of information found in the proteome.
One effective way to better understand our molecular makeup is by studying the proteome expressed in blood plasma, an easily accessible body fluid. Our goal is to examine the proteome in large groups of people to identify individual differences. By doing so, we can understand how the body modifies proteins in ways that other technologies can’t, enabling us to compare a healthy proteome with that of someone with a specific disease. We can also identify protein “signatures” that differentiate people who might respond to a drug from those who won’t.
Over two years, we plan to analyse plasma proteomes from 50,000 UKBiobank samples. This data will help researchers develop improved diagnostic tests and more effective drugs for common diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) – a primary focus for Eliptica. Current CVD risk diagnostics measure cholesterol and other substances (HDL, LDL and Triglycerides), but “apolipoproteins” may be more important factors in atherosclerosis, the fatty deposits in arteries leading to CVD. By investigating the role of apolipoproteins in CVD risk, Eliptica could develop more accurate diagnostics to prevent major cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes.
As we increase the number of samples analysed to 100,000 and beyond, we may also reveal new insights into cancers and rare diseases, helping researchers develop better tests and treatments for these conditions too. In cancer, Eliptica aims to show how the functional plasma proteome plays a part in determining whether a patient responds to current or emerging immunotherapies.
Ultimately, we want to contribute to advancing precision medicine, where treatments are tailored to each individual’s unique biological makeup.