The preanalytical phase of saliva proteomics/peptidomics, which includes sample collection, handling, and storage, represents a major challenge for any researcher that envisions sensitive and high-throughput analyses, coupled to well-controlled study design. The methodology used to collect saliva determines the contribution of each salivary gland to saliva composition with impact on data retrieved from proteomics/peptidomics. The awareness of the importance of this step in the analysis of saliva has prompted the proposal of several collection strategies. Moreover, numerous commercial devices are available in an attempt to routine the procedures. However, whatever the chosen method, procedures should be kept simple, standardized to get better reproducibility and repeatability on saliva proteomics analysis. Sample preservation is also a key step in saliva proteomics/peptidomics, and the implemented lab procedures should avoid posttranslational modifications such as proteolysis, as well as protein precipitation.In this chapter, we provide recommendations for saliva sampling and preservation, envisaging to standardize procedures that facilitate the use of saliva in clinical applications and the translation of proteomics data to diagnosis and/or definition of therapeutic targets.
Keywords: Saliva; Saliva collection; Salivary peptidomics; Salivary proteomics.