COMPREHENSIVE map of the human proteome has been developed, providing an unprecedented view of how proteins vary across healthy tissues, developmental stages, and more than 25 cancer types. The resource could help researchers identify new therapeutic targets, predict treatment-related toxicity, and accelerate precision medicine approaches.
Large-Scale Proteomic Map Captures Human Biology Across Tissues and Cancers
Researchers used data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry to profile more than 13,000 proteins across 2,856 samples and 58 major tissue types. The dataset spatially depicted proteome trajectories across foetal, tumour, adjacent non-tumour and healthy adult tissue, allowing investigation into developmental and cancer progression insights.
The resulting atlas captures protein activity across four key physiological states: fetal, healthy adult, tumour and adjacent non-tumour tissue. The dataset also identifies 1,717 tissue-enriched proteins, including hundreds not previously characterized in certain organs, significantly expanding current knowledge of tissue biology.
Spatial Proteomic Patterns Reveal RNA Splicing Decline and Immune Activation Across Development and Cancer
A key finding is the discovery of spatial patterns that may help explain disease mechanisms and treatment responses. For example, proteins linked to RNA splicing decline from fetal to tumour states, while immune-response proteins increase along the same trajectory. These shifts suggest coordinated molecular programs underlying both development and oncogenesis.
Researchers identified potential links between tissue-specific protein distribution and organ toxicity, by mapping where drug targets are expressed in the body, The study highlights 41 tumour-enriched proteins with minimal predicted off-target effects, offering promising candidates for future cancer therapies.
In addition, the dataset enabled drug repurposing insights, including potential new uses for existing anticancer therapies in under-treated tumour types. Integration with drug sensitivity and gene essentiality data further helped prioritise therapeutic targets such as receptor tyrosine kinases.
Drug Mapping and Multi-Omics Integration Identify Tumour-Enriched Targets and Repurposing Opportunities in Cancer Therapy
While the resource provides unprecedented coverage, researchers note limitations, including uneven donor age distribution and smaller sample sizes for some cancers. Despite this, the authors describe the atlas as a foundational step toward a “digital navigator” of the human body, with potential to accelerate precision medicine and improve drug development strategies across multiple diseases.
Reference
Yue L et al. Spatial distribution of the proteome in the human body and in cancers. Nature. 2026;DOI:10.1038/s41586-026-10660-y.
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