Key points from article :
Researchers from Oxford Population Health and Peking University compared two proteomics technologies, Olink Explore and SomaScan, by analyzing 2,168 proteins in 3,976 adults from the China Kadoorie Biobank.
Their study, published in Nature Communications, helps scientists understand how these assay methods perform in large-scale research and how to interpret their findings. Proteomics allows thousands of proteins to be measured simultaneously in small biological samples, providing insights into health and disease mechanisms.
The researchers examined genetic and non-genetic factors affecting protein levels and assessed how these proteins relate to the risk of ischaemic heart disease. Their findings showed that proteins present at higher concentrations in the blood were more consistently measured by both technologies. These consistently measured proteins had the same genetic and non-genetic determinants, suggesting reliability across platforms.
Some genetic factors influencing protein levels were unique to the Chinese population and had not been identified in previous European studies. This highlights the importance of conducting research across diverse populations, as genetic differences may reveal new biological insights. The study also found that adding protein data to traditional risk factors improved predictions for ischaemic heart disease, with both technologies providing similar benefits.
Dr. Baihan Wang, lead author from Oxford Population Health, emphasized that comparing these two proteomics methods helps researchers apply them effectively in large studies. Professor Zhengming Chen, senior author, noted that combining proteomics with genomic data and health records can enhance understanding of disease causes and inform new treatments.
This study is the largest direct comparison of these two proteomics platforms to date, making a significant contribution to the field. As these technologies advance, further studies in larger and more diverse populations will be necessary to validate findings and improve health outcomes.
