PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

Matthias Mann

Publications and source records attributed to Matthias Mann.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

AI proteomics: from protein identification to virtual cells.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming scientific research, including proteomics. In this Perspective, we highlight key mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics areas where AI is driving innovation, ranging from protein identification to building AI virtual cells. These include improving peptide and protein identification and quantification; characterizing protein-protein interactions and protein complexes; advancing spatial and perturbation proteomics; integrating multi-omics data; and, ultimately, enabling AI virtual cells. Finally, we call for global collaboration among data producers, data consumers and other stakeholders to establish an AI-friendly ecosystem for MS-based proteomics, laying the foundation for transformative advancements in proteomics driven by AI.

Proteomics

Longitudinal clinical proteomics reveals pneumonia type-specific protein biomarkers and autoantibodies.

Community-acquired pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Specific molecular endotypes are currently not well defined, and different viral or bacterial pathogens may trigger specific host responses and pathogenic mechanisms. We performed longitudinal proteomic profiling of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and plasma from bacterial, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2-driven pneumonia. Our analysis revealed highly pneumonia type-specific proteomic signatures, including COVID-19-specific antibodies locally produced in the lung. These antibodies showed biased immunoglobulin V-domain usage, linked to a CD69/CD83 plasma cell state associated with disease severity and degree of autoimmunity. Using mass spectrometry-driven autoantibody profiling in 2 independent COVID-19 cohorts, we identified 177 putative autoantibodies targeting extracellular matrix, nuclear, and immune-related proteins. Of note, temporal changes in autoantibody profiles correlated with clinical markers of inflammation, organ dysfunction, and duration of hospitalization. These findings highlight the autoimmune aspects of COVID-19 and provide potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets to help improve patient outcomes.

Humans

Redefining ALS: Large-scale proteomic profiling reveals a prolonged pre-diagnostic phase with immune, muscular, metabolic, and brain involvement.

BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder with a largely unknown duration and pathophysiology of the pre-diagnostic phase, especially for the common non-monogenic form. METHODS: We leveraged the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort with up to 30 years of follow-up to identify incident ALS cases across five European countries. Pre-diagnostic plasma samples from initially healthy participants underwent high-throughput proteomic profiling (7,285 protein markers, SomaScan). Cox proportional hazards models based on 4,567 participants (including 172 incident ALS cases) were used to identify protein biomarkers associated with future ALS diagnosis. Top results were indirectly validated in two independent case-control studies of prevalent ALS (n=417 ALS, 852 controls). Functional annotation included cross-disease comparisons, gene set and tissue enrichment testing, organ-specific proteomic clocks, and the application of large-language models (LLM). FINDINGS: Five proteins (SECTM1, CA3, THAP4, KLHL41, SLC26A7) were identified as significant pre-diagnostic ALS biomarkers (FDR=0.05), detectable approximately two decades before diagnosis. Of these, all except SECTM1 were indirectly validated in independent cohorts of prevalent ALS cases, supporting their clinical significance. Additionally, 22 nominally significant (p<0.05) pre-diagnostic biomarkers were FDR-significant in prevalent ALS with consistent effect directions. Cross-disease comparisons with pre-diagnostic Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease suggested a largely specific pre-diagnostic ALS biomarker signature. Gene ontology and tissue enrichment highlighted early involvement of immune, muscle, metabolic, and digestive processes. Furthermore, analyses of proteomic clocks revealed accelerated aging in brain-cognition, immune, and muscle tissues before clinical diagnosis. Druggability and LLM analyses revealed possible therapeutic targets and novel strategies, emphasizing translational relevance. INTERPRETATION: Our study provides first evidence of ultra-early molecular changes in common ALS up to two decades prior to clinical onset, mainly affecting immune, muscle, metabolic, digestive, and cognitive systems. Our study nominates several compelling candidates for risk stratification studies and novel therapeutic targets for early intervention. FUNDING: Clinical Research in ALS and Related Disorders for Therapeutic Development (CreATe) Consortium, Cure Alzheimer's Fund, Michael J Fox Foundation, Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research, University M&#xfc;nster.

Journal Article

Redefining ALS: Large-scale proteomic profiling reveals a prolonged pre-diagnostic phase with immune, muscular, metabolic, and brain involvement.

BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder with a largely unknown duration and pathophysiology of the pre-diagnostic phase, especially for the common non-monogenic form. METHODS: We leveraged the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort with up to 30 years of follow-up to identify incident ALS cases across five European countries. Pre-diagnostic plasma samples from initially healthy participants underwent high-throughput proteomic profiling (7,285 protein markers, SomaScan). Cox proportional hazards models based on 4,567 participants (including 172 incident ALS cases) were used to identify protein biomarkers associated with future ALS diagnosis. Top results were indirectly validated in two independent case-control studies of prevalent ALS (n=417 ALS, 852 controls). Functional annotation included cross-disease comparisons, gene set and tissue enrichment testing, organ-specific proteomic clocks, and the application of large-language models (LLM). FINDINGS: Five proteins (SECTM1, CA3, THAP4, KLHL41, SLC26A7) were identified as significant pre-diagnostic ALS biomarkers (FDR=0.05), detectable approximately two decades before diagnosis. Of these, all except SECTM1 were indirectly validated in independent cohorts of prevalent ALS cases, supporting their clinical significance. Additionally, 22 nominally significant (p<0.05) pre-diagnostic biomarkers were FDR-significant in prevalent ALS with consistent effect directions. Cross-disease comparisons with pre-diagnostic Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease suggested a largely specific pre-diagnostic ALS biomarker signature. Gene ontology and tissue enrichment highlighted early involvement of immune, muscle, metabolic, and digestive processes. Furthermore, analyses of proteomic clocks revealed accelerated aging in brain-cognition, immune, and muscle tissues before clinical diagnosis. Druggability and LLM analyses revealed possible therapeutic targets and novel strategies, emphasizing translational relevance. INTERPRETATION: Our study provides first evidence of ultra-early molecular changes in common ALS up to two decades prior to clinical onset, mainly affecting immune, muscle, metabolic, digestive, and cognitive systems. Our study nominates several compelling candidates for risk stratification studies and novel therapeutic targets for early intervention. FUNDING: Clinical Research in ALS and Related Disorders for Therapeutic Development (CreATe) Consortium, Cure Alzheimer's Fund, Michael J Fox Foundation, Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research, University M&#xfc;nster.

Journal Article

Bridging the Gap From Proteomics Technology to Clinical Application: Highlights From the 68th Benzon Foundation Symposium.

The 68th Benzon Foundation Symposium brought together leading experts to explore the integration of mass spectrometry-based proteomics and artificial intelligence to revolutionize personalized medicine. This report highlights key discussions on recent technological advances in mass spectrometry-based proteomics, including improvements in sensitivity, throughput, and data analysis. Particular emphasis was placed on plasma proteomics and its potential for biomarker discovery across various diseases. The symposium addressed critical challenges in translating proteomic discoveries to clinical practice, including standardization, regulatory considerations, and the need for robust "business cases" to motivate adoption. Promising applications were presented in areas such as cancer diagnostics, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular health. The integration of proteomics with other omics technologies and imaging methods was explored, showcasing the power of multimodal approaches in understanding complex biological systems. Artificial intelligence emerged as a crucial tool for the acquisition of large-scale proteomic datasets, extracting meaningful insights, and enhancing clinical decision-making. By fostering dialog between academic researchers, industry leaders in proteomics technology, and clinicians, the symposium illuminated potential pathways for proteomics to transform personalized medicine, advancing the cause of more precise diagnostics and targeted therapies.

Proteomics

Distinct and overlapping sets of SUMO-1 and SUMO-2 target proteins revealed by quantitative proteomics.

The small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) family in vertebrates includes three different family members that are conjugated as post-translational modifications to target proteins. SUMO-2 and -3 are nearly identical but differ substantially from SUMO-1. We used quantitative proteomics to investigate the target protein preferences of SUMO-1 and SUMO-2. HeLa cells were established that stably express His6-SUMO-1 or His6-SUMO-2. These cell lines and control HeLa cells were labeled with stable arginine isotopes, and His6-SUMOs were enriched from lysates using immobilized metal affinity chromatography. 53 SUMO-conjugated proteins were identified, including 44 novel SUMO targets. 25 proteins were preferentially conjugated to SUMO-1, 19 were preferentially conjugated to SUMO-2, and nine proteins were conjugated to both SUMO-1 and SUMO-2. SART1 was confirmed by immunoblotting to have both SUMO-1- and SUMO-2-linked forms at similar levels. SUMO-1 and SUMO-2 are thus shown to have distinct and overlapping sets of target proteins, indicating that SUMO-1 and SUMO-2 may have both redundant and non-redundant cellular functions. Interestingly, 14 of the 25 SUMO-1-conjugated proteins contain zinc fingers. Although both SUMO family members play roles in many cellular processes, our data show that sumoylation is strongly associated with transcription because nearly one-third of the identified target proteins are putative transcriptional regulators.

Chromatography, Affinity

A proteomic study of SUMO-2 target proteins.

The SUMO family in vertebrates includes at least three distinct proteins (SUMO-1, -2, and -3) that are added as post-translational modifications to target proteins. A considerable number of SUMO-1 target proteins have been identified, but little is known about SUMO-2. A stable HeLa cell line expressing His6-tagged SUMO-2 was established and used to label and purify novel endogenous SUMO-2 target proteins. Tagged forms of SUMO-2 were functional and localized predominantly in the nucleus. His6-tagged SUMO-2 conjugates were affinity-purified from nuclear fractions and identified by mass spectrometry. Eight novel potential SUMO-2 target proteins were identified by at least two peptides. Three of these proteins, SART1, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (RNP) M, and the U5 small nuclear RNP 200-kDa helicase, play a role in RNA metabolism. SART1 and heterogeneous nuclear RNP M were both shown to be genuine SUMO targets, confirming the validity of the approach.

Antigens, Neoplasm