A global scientific white paper on proteomic research published by Nature on Dec 11 with He Fuchu, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, as the leading scientist, not only shows China’s growing academic influence, leadership and organizing skills in the field of life sciences but also showcases the significant contributions of Chinese proteomic research (which is the study of proteins at cellular level) in promoting global scientific collaboration, building a global community of health for all, and fostering a community with a shared future for mankind.
Previously less known to the public, the proteomic project can, in some sense, be compared to the human genome project, an international collaboration that sequenced and mapped all the genes of our species in 2022. The initiative focuses on revealing the real-time panoramic map of the proteome involved in life activities.
Proteins play multiple roles, such as signaling transmission, oxygen and nutrient transport, and promoting growth, apart from many other functions. Human bodies are composed of trillions of cells, each containing proteins, the dynamic changes in which are key to determining birth, aging, illness, and death of the body.
The project is a grand alliance of top global scientists who have come together to analyze the principles and evolutionary patterns of human proteomes. They seek to map the human proteome through an entire life cycle, noticing changes during major global outbreaks, corresponding to dietary patterns and living environments, thereby revealing deeper laws of life processes.
Developments in global biotechnology have made such a project possible. It even uses modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data analysis, as mentioned by He in media reports. The paper published in Nature bears the signatures of more than 80 scientists, demonstrating the strong organizational and coordination capabilities of Chinese scientists.
As the domestic life science sector continues to develop, Chinese scientists will make significant contributions to promoting global scientific collaboration, building a global community of health for all, and fostering a shared future for mankind.