A major Singapore study has found more than 2,500 new links between genes and proteins, the largest result of its kind in Asia.

The PRECISE-SG100K study, run with Thermo Fisher Scientific and Nanyang Technological University, analysed the first 10,000 samples of Singapore’s 100,000-person national genomics project.

Researchers used Olink protein profiling and the Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer to map how genes affect protein levels in blood. The results were presented at the Human Proteome Organization’s World Congress.

Scientists say the findings could speed up drug discovery, since most drugs target proteins. “This study demonstrates how proteomics is transforming biomarker discovery,” said Karen Nelson, Thermo Fisher’s chief scientific officer.

The project aims to map the proteins of 100,000 Singaporeans over time. Researchers said combining genes and proteins gives a fuller picture of disease risk. The data could help develop new medicines targeted at specific proteins. More results are expected as the next batches of samples are analysed.