Researchers have developed a new public platform to identify and curate data on the thousands of proteins in saliva, potentially paving the way for saliva-based diagnostics, precision dentistry, and personalized treatments for oral and systemic diseases.
Details about the new Human Salivary Proteome (HSP) Wiki were published on May 25 in the Journal of Dental Research. The HSP Wiki will help researchers harness the full potential of the salivary protein, according to lead investigator and senior study author Dr. Stefan Ruhl, PhD, of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine.
"This community-based data and knowledge base will pave the way to harness the full potential of the salivary proteome for diagnosis, risk prediction, and therapy for oral and systemic diseases, and increase preparedness for future emerging diseases and pandemics," Ruhl stated in a university press release.
A diagram available through the HSP Wiki depicting the relationships of salivary proteins originating from different locations. Image courtesy of the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research."Saliva has become an attractive body fluid for on-site, remote, and real-time monitoring of oral and systemic health," the authors wrote. "At the same time, the scientific community needs a saliva-centered information platform that keeps pace with the rapid accumulation of new data by annotating, refining, and updating the salivary proteome catalog."
The wiki is dynamically compiled and updated using current protein reference records and published saliva proteome studies, they noted. It integrates a broad range of information by pulling in data from established external protein, genome, transcriptome, and glycome databases.
Researchers and clinicians can submit proposals to add, remove, or modify wiki data. An interdisciplinary team then ensures the information is accurate and supported by sound scientific evidence.
Contributors who submit proteins will get credit. Furthermore, the researchers plan to host activities that bring contributors together to inspire new ideas and collaboration across scientific disciplines, according to the university.
