genome expresses during lifetime.^12 These methods can give a global insight into
the molecular profile of the affected subject.
Human genome studies involving around 23,000 genes encoding for much larger
number of different transcripts result in better understanding of disease process at
molecular level. However, changes at genome and transcriptome level are mirrored
by proteome aberrations. Challenge in the comprehension of proteome complexity
lies in the determination of a number of different protein species that may surpass
one million and in a large number of regulatory levels of protein expression and
activity that sustain cellular function and tissue homeostasis.^13
Functional components such as molecular complexes, signalling networks, and
whole organelles are very important regulators of cellular processes. Proteins are
individual components of these functional parts with multiple levels of regulation,
which includes protein “circulation” (recycling and degradation), posttranslational
modifications, subcellular localization, and protein–protein interactions. The latter
leads to formation of complexes such as those implicated in the cell signal trans-
duction or cellular architecture. It is a huge challenge and, at the same time, of
enormous importance to integrate knowledge gained through global high-
throughput studies, in particular genomics and proteomics, in order to obtain better
understanding of the molecular nature of diseases and develop a “cellular map.”^14
Proteomics is a method with progressive and fast development that greatly
benefits from the development of mass spectrometry and other high-throughput
analytical tools with the aim of comprehensive bioinformatic analysis. Obtained
results are already encouraging and complementary to those obtained at genome
and transcriptome level. The result is better understanding of the disease, such as
glioma, from the perspective that includes protein expression, interaction, and
function. The potential benefit of understanding disease process based on proteome
is not questionable since it includes the possibility of diagnosis, classification,
prognosis, and assessment of therapeutic effect and ultimately leads to genuine
personalized medicine based on the patient’s proteome.^15
7 The Impact of Personalized Medicine and Implementation
The impact of personalized medicine will be significant for both patients and the
medical profession. Medical doctors will expect integrated information from many
different sources, including -omics and molecular imaging. Obtained data should
provide support for the right decision and the sequence of actions for each individ-
ual patient. One can presume that proof of principle would be achieved in the
(^12) Petricoin et al. ( 2002 ) and Espina et al. ( 2004 ).
(^13) Editorial ( 2003 ).
(^14) ESF Forward Look ( 2012 ), Editorial ( 2003 ), and Ferrari ( 2005 ).
(^15) Sedic ́et al. ( 2014 ).
Personalized Medicine: The Path to New Medicine 9