Seer, Inc. has announced a significant advancement in proteomic research, highlighted by the publication of a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) in Nature Genetics. The study employed the company’s Proteograph® Product Suite, which allows for the measurement of proteins at peptide-level resolution and the mapping of their genetic determinants. This research reinforces the crucial role of mass spectrometry validation in translating genomic signals into reliable clinical biomarkers and drug targets.
Led by Karsten Suhre, PhD, from Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar, the study involved collaboration with researchers from Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Seer, and TruDiagnostic. Findings indicate that without mass spectrometry validation, up to one-third of protein-gene associations identified through affinity-based assays may not replicate. This highlights an urgent need for accurate methods in the field of proteogenomics.
The analysis encompassed approximately 1,600 blood samples drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Within this dataset, a discovery cohort of 1,260 samples was profiled alongside an independent replication cohort of 325 samples using the Proteograph workflow. The study successfully detected 5,753 proteins, with 1,980 of these quantified in at least 80 percent of participants.
The implications of this research are profound. The integration of mass spectrometry with genomic data not only strengthens the reliability of protein associations but also paves the way for more targeted and effective therapeutic interventions. The findings serve as a benchmark for future studies aiming to correlate genetic information with clinical outcomes.
Seer’s innovative approach to proteomics, exemplified by the Proteograph platform, has established the company as a leader in the field. As the demand for precise biomarkers in drug development and clinical diagnostics continues to rise, this study underscores the necessity of utilizing robust methodologies to enhance our understanding of human biology.
In conclusion, the publication of this GWAS in Nature Genetics marks a pivotal moment for Seer, Inc. and the broader scientific community. By demonstrating the importance of mass spectrometry validation, this study sets a precedent for future research endeavors in genetics and proteomics, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.
