Characterization of Proteins, Their Modifications, and Macromolecules

Redox proteomics and glycomics, associated with in-depth proteomics and peptidomics studies, have been our main achievements in terms of accepted publications in recent years. In parallel, we have gradually realized that the same strategies could be applied to meet another descriptive challenge: elucidating the protein content of a sample, whether modern or archaeological. This approach provides new insights into extremely diverse fields of application while relying on the same analytical expertise. Indeed, the protein content itself constitutes a specific fingerprint that can support the description of the taxonomy of a sample.

This is essential information for archaeologists seeking to understand the use or origin of specific artifacts to understand human activities better. Similarly, it is useful for biologists who seek to know the taxonomic composition of aliquots describing biomedical or environmental microbiomes. This approach also allows the discrimination of the taxon and the biological tissue or fluid from which a collected trace comes, which is crucial for forensic investigations in search of the unequivocal signature of a biological fluid at a crime scene.

We open Pandora’s box by working on these alternative applications, unleashing new challenges. Among these, it is important to consider the effects of aging on biological samples at the molecular level, such as collagen modifications for archaeoproteomics. Another challenge is the high homology between species, which generally prevents the scientist from discriminating between two strains or two animals. The taxonomic specificity of PTMs (post-translational modifications), such as using the sugar code (for which we have recently patented a new glycosidase), is also an active area of research. This work is the subject of ongoing research and doctoral projects, with manuscripts under review, and is mainly illustrated by last year’s student projects.

Over the past ten years, the SMBP has focused on developing expert strategies to meet this fundamental molecular characterization. Our projects, teaching, investments, and grant applications align with these objectives.