BC Proteomics Network – Phase I

This platform will unify BC’s proteomics resources (human and technological) to increase British Columbia’s capacity to compete for funding in this emerging field of high technology science. Building on genomics research advances and the human genome project, this science focuses on proteins – chemical messengers produced by genes that act alone or in sequence to regulate all aspects of growth and function at the level of our cells. As such, these proteins fundamentally influence how we grow and function in healthy states and when disease or injury compromises our health. Proteomics researchers study how proteins are produced, how they communicate and interact to fulfill their functions and how their function is influenced by genetic or environmental factors – new knowledge that is key to understanding disease process and for the development of new drugs and other therapeutic interventions.

Phase I funding completed December 31, 2012

• Phase II overview

This platform will unify BC’s proteomics resources (human and technological) to increase British Columbia’s capacity to compete for funding in this emerging field of high technology science. Building on genomics research advances and the human genome project, this science focuses on proteins – chemical messengers produced by genes that act alone or in sequence to regulate all aspects of growth and function at the level of our cells. As such, these proteins fundamentally influence how we grow and function in healthy states and when disease or injury compromises our health. Proteomics researchers study how proteins are produced, how they communicate and interact to fulfill their functions and how their function is influenced by genetic or environmental factors – new knowledge that is key to understanding disease process and for the development of new drugs and other therapeutic interventions.

This platform will leverage BC’s existing strengths in the field (including 45 scientists and informatics experts). It will implement strategies to improve access to proteomic instruments and technology such that BC becomes more competitive for funding to support large-scale proteomics projects and build for the future with a focus on promoting and providing training to expand understanding and use of proteomics by the broader research community in BC.