Two decades of the Mexican Proteomics Society: the history and evolution of proteomics and metabolomics in Mexico

Abstract

The establishment of the Mexican Proteomics Society (Sociedad Mexicana de Proteómica, SMP) has provided a platform for researchers in proteomics and metabolomics to share ideas and collaborate on research. This initiative promotes scientific knowledge in México and facilitates the integration of national researchers into international projects. Founded twenty years ago, the SMP is the oldest proteomics society in Latin America. It is a non-profit organization that advocates for research in proteomics, metabolomics, and MS within the country.

This review seeks to trace the development of the field by highlighting the contributions of researchers, laboratories, institutions, and organizations such as the SMP that have played a role in establishing and advancing this science in México. However, we are an enthusiastic and diverse community that, through imagination, collaboration, and determination, will continue to advance proteomics, metabolomics, and related fields in México.

Significance

The Mexican Proteomics Society (Sociedad Mexicana de Proteómica, SMP) was established 20 years ago to foster proteomics in México. The organization of a biannual symposium has since evolved into a reliable academic event in proteomics, metabolomics, and mass spectrometry (MS), where international experts present their discoveries to our community, and vendors present their latest products. We encourage students and professionals to learn through hands-on workshops on protein electrophoresis, proteomics, metabolomics, and open-access computer tools for analyzing omics data. Additionally, SMP has hosted the Ibero-American Symposium on Mass Spectrometry, the Pan-American Human Proteome Organization (Pan-HUPO) meeting, and most recently, the Human Proteome Organization World Congress (HUPO-2022). This commentary does not offer a comprehensive overview of proteomics in México; instead, it follows its evolution by emphasizing the contributions of researchers, laboratories, and institutions that have played a significant role in establishing and expanding this field in México. It also endeavors to offer a comprehensive understanding of the current state of proteomics in México. The challenges, opportunities, and perspectives related to the SMP's role in advancing proteomics in the country will be discussed in a parallel commentary included in this special issue entitled “Advancing post-genomics research in México: Opportunities and strategies for the next decade”.