Proteomics approaches for myeloid leukemia drug discovery.

Introduction: Global protein expression profiling between healthy vs diseased states helps identifying differential expression and post-translational modifications of proteins, thereby providing better insights into the molecular changes of disease diagnosis and prognosis. In addition, analytical separation and identification of proteins from complex mixtures can provide insight into targeted drug therapy and prediction of response to different therapeutics.

Areas Covered: In the present review the authors summarize the readily available quantitative proteomics tools for the analytical separation and identification of target proteins in myeloid leukemia, AML in particular, and its future perspectives in its diagnostics and therapeutics. Within, the authors highlight some of the proteomics approaches such as gel-based quantitation strategies (2D, 2D-DIGE); MS-based quantitative proteomics tools (metabolic labeling (SILAC), chemical labeling (ITRAQ, ICAT)); MS techniques (MALDI-MS/MS). In addition, some of the target proteins identified using proteomics approaches in myeloid leukemia are also discussed that may encourage cancer biology investigators to undertake proteomics as a vital tool in their study.

Expert Opinion: With suitable, selective application of diverse set of quantitative proteomics strategies integrated with bioinformatics software and precise statistical analysis in myeloid leukemia holds tremendous promise in deciphering cancer proteome, understanding tumor pathophysiology and development of personalized molecular medicine and therapy.