Spatial proteomics is an emerging field that seeks to understand the spatial organization of proteins in organisms, systems, organs, tissues, or cellular compartments within cells. It is well-established that proteins perform their functions within specific spatial locations. The development of high-throughput proteomic methods for analyzing spatial localizations of proteins has led to rapid advances in our understanding of protein functions, and the advancement of computational tools for integrating spatial proteomics with other types of data is enabling the generation of more comprehensive mechanisms of molecular organizations in health and disease.
Spatial proteomics will further our understanding of protein expression, modifications, and complexes in different cellular or subcellular localization and their functions in cellular organization, signaling pathways, and disease mechanisms. It could also be used to develop new drug targets and to improve the efficacy of existing drug therapies. The objectives of this special issue are to highlight the current state of art in spatial proteomics, to introduce innovative spatial proteomic method development, and to gather the biological or clinical applications of spatial proteomics, which could propel the field to new heights.