Protein arrays for biomarker discovery.

The value of biomarker research in the field of diagnostics and predictive medicine has long been acknowledged. Diagnostic tests have evolved from single-molecule monitoring to multiplexed assays for entire panels of biomarkers, resulting in comprehensive data that clinicians can use to efficiently and effectively treat patients. Thus, the focus of protein microarrays has been directed toward the development of high-throughput multiplex assays that are capable of producing highly accurate quantitative data for a dynamic range of molecules to meet the requirements of the clinical laboratory. Some recent advancements in the field of biomarker discovery, including mass-spectrometry based approaches, as well as the advantages and limitations of the various techniques, will be discussed in this review.