Proteomics and the kidney.

Proteomics can be defined as "the systematic analysis of proteins for their identity, quantity, and function." The central concept is "multiplexing," i.e., simultaneous analysis of all proteins in a defined protein population, rather than investigation of one protein at a time, as in traditional biochemistry. Two major approaches have been described: (1) mass spectrometry-based approaches and (2) protein micro-array approaches. The purpose of this Science Watch article is to describe the fundamental features of these two approaches and to speculate on how proteomics will be useful in nephrology and nephrology research in the coming years.