Abstract Purpose The main objective of this study is to characterize and
analyze modified peptides in DBS samples. This includes deciphering
their specific PTMs and understanding their potential impact on the
population or disease cohort under study. Experimental design Using mass
spectrometry-based proteomic approaches, we performed a comprehensive
analysis of DBS samples. Our focus was on the identification and
quantification of modified peptides. We also took advantage of recent
advances in DBS mass spectrometry to ensure accurate detection and
quantification. Results A comprehensive analysis identified 976 modified
peptides in DBS samples. Of these, a subset of 211 peptides was
consistently present in all samples, highlighting their potential
biological importance and relevance. This indicates a diverse spectrum
of PTMs in the proteome of DBS samples. Conclusions and clinical
relevance Integration of mass spectrometry and proteomics has revealed a
broad spectrum of modified peptides in DBS samples and highlighted their
importance in biological processes and disease progression. Accurate
detection of these PTMs may be critical for risk stratification and
disease management. This study improves the understanding of molecular
mechanisms underlying biological processes and disease development,
providing important insights for clinical applications.