Foundation of Proteomics. Order of authorship in the original publication: Wilkins, Pasquali, ...Hochstrasser.

"Abstract: Separation and identification of proteins by two-dimensional (2-D) electrophoresis can be used for protein-based gene expression analysis. In this report single protein spots, from polyvinylidene difluoride blots of micropreparative E. coli 2-D gels, were rapidly and economically identified by matching their amino acid composition, estimated pI and molecular weight against all E. coli entries in the SWISS-PROT database. Thirty proteins from an E. coli 2-D map were analyzed and identities assigned. Three of the proteins were unknown. By protein sequencing analysis, 20 of the 27 proteins were correctly identified. Importantly, correct identifications showed unambiguous "correct" score patterns. While incorrect protein identifications also showed distinctive score patterns, indicating that protein must be identified by other means. These techniques allow large-scale screening of the protein complement of simple organisms, or tissues in normal and disease states. The computer program described here is accessible via the World Wide Web at URL address (http:@expasy.hcuge.ch/)."

Order of editorship in the original publication: Wilkins, Williams, Appel, Hochstrasser.
"Recent advances in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, protein microanalytsis and bioinformatics have made the large-scale, systematic analysis of proteins and their post-translational modifications from any tissue or organism possible. This approach has acquired the name 'Proteome Research', and can be considered as the core of functional genomics. The results of proteom analysis show which genes are expressed, how the protein products are modified, and how they interact, making proteom research of fundamental importance for the biologist, clinician, and pharmaceutical industry" (publisher).