Affiliations: Clinical Proteomics Program, Laboratory of Pathology,
National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892,
USA | Clinical Proteomics Program, Division of Therapeutic
Proteins, CBER, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
Note: [] Tissue Proteomics Unit, Division of Therapeutic Products, Center
for Biologics Evaluation Research, FDA, Bldg. 29A Room 2B02, 8800 Rockville
Pike, Bethesda, MD 2089, USA. E-mail: petricoin@cber.fda.gov
Abstract: Now that the human genome has been determined, the field of
proteomics is ramping up to tackle the vast protein networks that both control
and are controlled by the information encoded by the genome. The study of
proteomics should yield an unparalleled understanding of cancer as well as an
invaluable new target for therapeutic intervention and markers for early
detection. This rapidly expanding field attempts to track the protein
interactions responsible for all cellular processes. By careful analysis of
these systems, a detailed understanding of the molecular causes and
consequences of cancer should emerge. A brief overview of some of the cutting
edge technologies employed by this rapidly expanding field is given, along with
specific examples of how these technologies are employed. Soon cellular protein
networks will be understood at a level that will permit a totally new paradigm
of diagnosis and will allow therapy tailored to individual patients and
situations.
Keywords: proteomics, laser capture microdissection, cancer, signal transduction
