Cluster analysis and visualization techniques for large datasets in complexome profiling

Dysfunctional protein complexes are often associated with diseases. To develop effective treatments it is essential to understand the composition, formation and functionality of protein complexes. Novel techniques like complexome profiling give an overview of possible protein-protein interactions in an entire sample. In this approach intact protein complexes are separated using blue-native electrophoresis. The migration patterns of thousands of proteins are then uncovered using quantitative mass spectrometry and compared to find co-migrating proteins. Here, we present the concepts of our visualization approach for large complexome profiling datasets using our software NOVA. In agreement with recent literature we show that the protein NDUFA4, a previously known subunit of complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, is instead a subunit of complex IV.