Lost in translation: Illuminating protein mislocalization through high-content screening microscopy

Abstract

Establishing the subcellular distribution of all proteins encoded by the human genome remains a key objective of life science research. This is particularly important in the context of proteins that, through genetic sequencing of patients, have been identified as containing missense mutations. A recent publication in Cell¹ highlights the prominence of protein mislocalization as a hallmark of dysfunctional proteins. The use of high-content subcellular phenotypic screens and allied technology by Lacoste and colleagues has enormous potential to change the landscape of how we approach both diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.