Proteomics in transfusion medicine

The most ambitious goal of proteomic experimentation is to simultaneously chart the ebb and flow of tens of thousands of proteins in a cell or organism. By cataloging the global expression of proteins in different cell states, a better understanding of protein signaling pathways may be gleaned. Such studies promise to complement the vast amounts of genomic data produced over the past 10 to 15 years. Although proteomics is considered an emerging technology, its potential importance has already been demonstrated in diverse human afflictions including cancer and heart disease. Technologic advances will drive proteomic efforts in a fashion similar to that seen during the quest to sequence the human genome. For example, mass spectrometers used for mass-based protein identification have been significantly improved with the upsurge in demand for these sophisticated instruments. Clearly, bioinformatics tools will play a major role in interpreting proteomic data. High-throughput analysis is urgently needed because of the vast number of proteins that comprise even the simplest biologic system. Toward this end, protein microarrays or "protein chips" may provide a powerful method for probing protein function and, thus, propel the next wave of proteomics research. These chips appear to be only the first of many microtechnologies of the future that will enable the profiling of complex protein pathways.