Operomics: molecular analysis of tissues from DNA to RNA to protein

Application of 2D-DIGE in cancer proteomics toward personalized medicine

Two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) is an advanced variation of two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE); protein samples are labeled with different fluorescent dyes, mixed and separated by 2D-PAGE. 2D-DIGE solves major inherent drawbacks of 2D-PAGE, demonstrating great utility in biomarker studies. Biomarker development requires quantitative, reproducible, highly sensitive and high-throughput experimental platforms, and 2D-DIGE meets these criteria. Here we demonstrate the advantages of 2D-DIGE and discuss the possibilities 2D-DIGE offers for further, more comprehensive proteome studies.

Comparative proteomics analysis of human pituitary adenomas: current status and future perspectives

This article will review the published research on the elucidation of the mechanisms of pituitary adenoma formation. Mass spectrometry (MS) plays a key role in those studies. Comparative proteomics has been used with the long-term goal to locate, detect, and characterize the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in human pituitary adenomas; to identify tumor-related and -specific biomarkers; and to clarify the basic molecular mechanisms of pituitary adenoma formation. The methodology used for comparative proteomics, the current status of human pituitary proteomics studies, and future perspectives are reviewed. The methodologies that are used in comparative proteomics studies of human pituitary adenomas are readily exportable to other different areas of cancer research.

Pharmacogenetic tactics and strategies: implications for paediatrics

Genetic diversity exerts profound effects on variation in human drug response in adults, but comparatively little research that specifically relates to genetically abnormal responses in infancy and childhood has been reported. Specific genetic changes in human enzymes, receptors and other proteins that are implicated in drug response and their associated phenotypic correlates provide needed data for construction of profiles individualised to predict susceptibility to adverse drug reactions. If therapy adheres to such guidelines, failure to respond to drug therapy and drug toxicity among genetically susceptible persons can be greatly minimised or averted.