Capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry as a powerful tool in biomarker discovery and clinical diagnosis: An update of recent developments

• Published in: Mass spectrometry reviews Vol. 28; no. 5; pp. 703 - 724
• Main Authors: Mischak, Harald, Coon, Joshua J, Novak, Jan, Weissinger, Eva M, Schanstra, Joost P, Dominiczak, Anna F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.09.2009; Wiley
• Subjects: Analytical, structural and metabolic biochemistry; Biological and medical sciences; biomarker; Biomarkers - analysis; capillary electrophoresis; clinical proteomics; Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures - instrumentation; Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures - trends; Electrophoresis, Capillary; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects, investigation methods; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Mass Spectrometry; Medical sciences; Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques; Proteins; Proteins - chemistry; Proteome - analysis; Urinary system; urine; Endocrinopathy; Biological fluid; Prognosis; Peptides; Biological marker; Cardiovascular disease; Biological material; Sample preparation; Diabetic nephropathy; Diagnosis; Kidney disease; Urine; Urinary system disease; Pathophysiology; Capillary electrophoresis; Coupled method; Diabetes mellitus; Chronic kidney disease; biomarker; Protein; Concomitant disease; Nephropathy; Peptide fragment; Renal failure; Proteomics; clinical proteomics; Mass spectrometry
• ISSN: 0277-7037; 1098-2787
• DOI: 10.1002/mas.20205

Proteome analysis has emerged as a powerful technology to decipher biological processes. One of the main goals is to discover biomarkers for diseases from tissues and body fluids. However, the complexity and wide dynamic range of protein expression present an enormous challenge to separation technologies and mass spectrometry (MS). In this review, we examine the limitations of proteomics, and aim towards the definition of the current key prerequisites. We focus on capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry (CE-MS), because this technique continues to show great promise. We discuss CE-MS from an application point of view, and evaluate its merits and vices for biomarker discovery and clinical applications. Finally, we present several examples on the use of CE-MS to determine urinary biomarkers and implications for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy evaluation.