Proteomics in renal research

Proteomic technologies are used with increasing frequency in the renal community. In this review, we highlight the use in renal research of a number of available techniques including two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization, capillary electrophoresis/mass spectrometry, and antibody and tissue arrays. These techniques have been used to identify proteins or changes in proteins specific to regions of the kidney or associated with renal diseases or toxicity. They have also been used to examine protein expression changes and posttranslational modifications of proteins during signaling. A number of studies have used proteomic methodologies to look for diagnostic biomarkers in body fluids. The rapid rate of development of the technologies along with the combination of classic physiological and biochemical techniques with proteomics will enable new discoveries.