Reverse genetics for proteomics: From proteomic discovery to scientific content

Proteomic strategies generally result in rather descriptive outcomes. Although proteomic patterns may lead to understanding of cellular function or failure, they do not provide insights into cellular mechanisms of normal physiology or molecular mechanisms of disease. The integration of single events or patterns into complex biological processes and signaling networks must be functionally validated by studying these processes in a dynamic physiological context. Effective methodologies, applied at the level of intact cells and model organisms that monitor their function, topology and interaction of proteins are necessary and essential. Reverse genetic strategies can greatly advance the understanding of patterns identified through proteomic analysis. RNAi as an accessible method for routine functional analysis of cells and whole model organisms represents a quantum leap in revolutionizing reverse genetics. This paper aims at describing an integrated workflow linking proteome-based discovery to molecular analysis of single genes and proteins by RNAi, potentially contributing to the advanced understanding of molecular mechanisms in neurodegenerative disease, including Parkinson's disease.