Implementing proteomics in multiomic studies

Obtaining robust, high-quality proteomics data at the scale required for broad acceptance and integration of protein studies into multiomic approaches necessitates certain key attributes from the technologies involved.

Several of these challenges have been particularly acute when measuring proteins at high multiplexing levels, which is a prerequisite for large scale proteomics studies. Building multiomic strategies around robust, high-quality proteomics requires an approach that overcomes these challenges, delivering actionable data that supports effective decision-making and drives progress in biological research and development of new and better therapies.

Making sense of the huge, complex data sets generated from large-scale multiomics analyses and integrating these with clinical/phenotypic data for real insights into biological questions is also an increasingly challenging area. Developments in biostatistical and bioinformatic methods, tools and expertise are likely to be as important as the technologies developed to generate data.

To meet these challenges, Olink has developed technological solutions to meet the challenges of large-scale, high-quality proteomics data generation. Our bioinformatics tools and expertise help convert data into biological understanding, even in large, complex multiomics projects.

Our core Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology uses pairs of oligonucleotide-coupled antibodies in a dual recognition methodology that develops unique DNA barcodes for NGS (Olink^® Explore) or qPCR (Olink^® Target) readout, overcoming many of the challenges previously associated with multiplex protein assays (e.g. specificity, sensitivity and dynamic range).

With readout on high performance NGS instruments, Olink Explore enables proteomics at previously unattainable levels of multiplexing and throughput. Scientists can simultaneously measure thousands of human proteins using just a few µL of blood sample, with highly specific, thoroughly validated assays that cover a very wide dynamic range (fg/mL to µg/mL). Using the Olink Explore 3072 platform with NGS readout, for example, 4600 samples per week can be analyzed to measure ~3000 proteins using one NGS instrument, generating around 14 million protein data points.