The Proteome Imaging axis is one of the three principle research axes
of the
Proteome Informatics Group (PIG). It has been performing
research and development of
image processing and analysis software since 1984. The two-dimensional
gel electrophoresis (2-DE) images are an important basis for
quantitative analysis and comparative proteomics. Detecting protein
expression changes associated with diseases and treatments, among many
other applications, has been a major incentive to the development of
specialized software systems for 2-DE image analysis, such as Melanie,
the software developed by the PIG. Melanie has been constantly updated
and enhanced based on feedback from specialised users. The latest
version of Melanie is distributed through GE Healthcare in
collaboration with Geneva Bioinformatics (GeneBio) SA under
the name ImageMaster 2D Platinum. Melanie's algorithms and interface
were then adapted to the visualisation and analysis of LC-MS datasets
through the MSight
software. Specific algorithms to the LC-MS data
analysis, such as detection or matching, had to be carried out, while
the general framework and all the visualisation and manipulation tools,
as well as the data and statistical analysis modules could be re-used
as is. This expertise shows that a general software framework, such as
the Melanie platform, can be developed that may then lead to software
packages for various proteomics techniques where visualisation and
analysis of correlated data are necessary. Developing proteome imaging
tools is our leitmotiv.
Walther D, Bouchet G, Catherinet S, Pelhatre S, Tuloup M,
Palagi PM, Appel RD. Melanie: analysis of proteomics data
with ImageMaster and MSight. Poster
presented in the Siena
Proteomics Meeting in 2006.