Translational Proteomics: Developing a Predictive Capacity – A Review

Over the past decade, proteomics has undergone a rapid development and radiation, diversifying across the biochemical landscape. While no single technique yet delivers complete proteomic coverage, application-specific adaptations afford significant opportunity for discovery and the development of predictive capacity (e.g. surrogate biomarker and clinical diagnostics). Targeted proteomic approaches, protein profiling strategies using affinity capture mass spectrometry and solution array represent realistic opportunities to deliver predictive capacity. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of proteomic technologies and how the outcomes delivered by such platforms may be translated into applications of predictive utility in clinical and basic science. In particular, recent applications in protein/peptide profiling (solid-phase affinity capture mass spectrometry and the targeted approach of antibody arrays) and the opportunities they afford researchers within the discipline of reproductive biology to develop new diagnostic and prognostic tests and surrogate biomarkers to improve the delivery of women's health care are considered.