Introduction: Proteomics has played a pivotal role in identifying proteins perturbed in disease conditions when compared with healthy samples. Study of dysregulated proteins aids in identifying diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets. Cancer is an outcome of interplay of several such disarrayed proteins and molecular pathways which perturb cellular homeostasis, resulting in transformation. In this review, we discuss various facets of proteomic approaches, including tools and technological advancements, aiding in understanding differentially expressed molecules and signaling mechanisms.
Areas covered: In this review, we have taken the approach of documenting the different methods of proteomic studies, ranging from labeling techniques, data analysis methods, and the nature of molecule detected. We summarize each technique and provide a glimpse of cancer research carried out using them, highlighting the advantages and drawbacks in comparison with others. Literature search using online resources, such as PubMed and Google Scholar were carried out for this approach.
Expert opinion: Technological advancements in proteomics studies have come a long way from the study of two-dimensional mapping of proteins separated on gels in the early 1970s. Higher precision in molecular identification and quantification (high throughput), and greater number of samples analyzed have been the focus of researchers.
Keywords: Cancer proteomics; MRM/SRM; SILAC; TMT; iTRAQ; mass spectrometry; phosphoproteomics; proteogenomics; proteomics.