The proteome comes of age, but precision oncology needs functional maps

The human proteome has made significant progress in recent years, with advancements in mass spectrometry and protein sequencing technologies. However, the field is still far from achieving its full potential in precision oncology. A key challenge is the lack of comprehensive functional maps that integrate signalling activity, post-translational modifications, and tissue compartmentalization. Current proteomic studies often focus on abundance levels rather than functional information, which limits our understanding of protein function and regulation in cancer. Furthermore, most existing proteomics datasets are limited to a single time point or tissue type, failing to capture the dynamic nature of protein expression and its relationship with clinical outcomes. To address these limitations, Yue and colleagues present a landmark anatomical atlas of human protein abundance across non-malignant tissues and cancers. This study provides a critical foundation for the development of functional proteomic maps that can inform precision oncology. However, to make proteomics truly therapeutic, we need to integrate additional information such as signalling activity, post-translational modifications, pathology-guided compartment resolution, metastatic and longitudinal sampling, clinical annotation, and population diversity into these maps. Only then can we begin to understand how protein function is altered in cancer and develop targeted therapies that exploit these changes. In conclusion, while the human proteome has made significant progress, precision oncology requires functional proteomic maps that go beyond abundance levels. We must continue to push the boundaries of proteomics research to achieve this goal.