Resources

• Serum Proteomics: Sample Preparation,Workflow Analysis, and Research Applications

Serum is the liquid fraction obtained after whole blood has clotted and the clot has been separated. It contains albumin, immunoglobulins, complement proteins, and many other circulating proteins. Serum proteomics is the systematic identification and relative quantification of proteins in serum, commonly using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

• Serum Proteomics Applications in Disease and Drug Response Research

Serum proteomics can be applied when a study asks whether circulating protein profiles differ with disease status, disease severity, or treatment exposure. Typical comparisons include disease versus control samples, different disease states, and treated versus untreated or pre- versus post-treatment samples.

• Serum Proteomics for Biomarker Discovery: From Differential Proteins to Candidate Selection

Serum proteomics biomarker discovery often begins with a list of differential proteins, but that list is not yet a biomarker panel. Candidate selection asks which protein changes are sufficiently consistent, biologically relevant, and analytically feasible to justify further verification.

• How to Interpret Serum Proteomics Results and Quality Metrics

Serum proteomics reports contain several layers of information, from protein identification and relative quantification to sample-level quality metrics, differential proteins, and functional analysis. These results should be read in sequence rather than interpreted independently.

• Comparative Serum Proteomics: Study Design for Differential Protein Analysis

Comparative serum proteomics examines protein abundance differences between defined biological groups or sampling time points. The value of differential protein analysis depends on whether those comparisons are supported by an appropriate study design.

• Serum vs. Plasma Proteomics: Key Differences and Sample Selection

Both serum and plasma can be used for LC-MS/MS-based proteomics, but they are not interchangeable sample matrices. Differences in coagulation, anticoagulant use, and sample formation alter the abundance of specific protein groups, which can lead to differences in protein identification and relative quantification.

• How Does Serum Sample Quality Affect Proteomics Results?

Serum quality differences can alter the protein signals measured by LC-MS/MS. Hemolysis introduces hemoglobin and other blood cell-derived proteins, while lipemia, icterus, residual fibrin, processing delays, and storage-related changes can affect sample composition or protein recovery.

• Serum Sample Preparation, Storage, and Handling for Proteomics

Serum proteomics sample preparation involves several steps between blood collection and LC-MS/MS analysis. Following blood collection, the blood is allowed to clot before serum separation. The separated serum is then transferred, aliquoted, and stored under appropriate conditions before shipment.

• Targeted Proteomics Data Analysis and Interpretation

Read targeted peptide traces as relative trends or calibrated amounts, then interpret named proteins.

• Targeted Proteomics Experimental Design

Learn how to plan targeted proteomics experiments by evaluating target feasibility, representative peptides, sample design, and relative or absolute quantification.