Current trends in quantitative proteomics - an update.

Proteins can provide insights into biological processes at the functional level, so they are very promising biomarker candidates. The quantification of proteins in biological samples has been routinely used for the diagnosis of diseases and monitoring the treatment. Although large-scale protein quantification in complex samples is still a challenging task, a great amount of effort has been made to advance the technologies that enable quantitative proteomics. Seven years ago, in 2009, we wrote an article about the current trends in quantitative proteomics. In writing this current paper, we realized that, today, we have an even wider selection of potential tools for quantitative proteomics. These tools include new derivatization reagents, novel sampling formats, new types of analyzers and scanning techniques, and recently developed software to assist in assay development and data analysis. In this review article, we will discuss these innovative methods, and their current and potential applications in proteomics.