Proteomics: New insights into rheumatic diseases

Tremendous advances undergone in electrophoresis, chromatography, and MS have led proteomic research to unprecedented achievement over the last decade. Proteomics is presently employed for assessing protein expression levels, for monitoring cellular activities and for determination of biochemical pathways, revolutionizing the way we study disease by opening up the possibility to decipher the pathogenesis of clinical manifestations. Over 200 disorders including osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and osteoporosis are considered rheumatic diseases (RDs), which affect the musculoskeletal system (joints and other supporting structures of the body such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones) and are a leading cause of disability among older adults. Despite that an autoimmune origin has been proposed for some RDs like RA, the pathogenesis of most of these diseases is still unclear. Therefore, proteomic research on RDs, notably OA and RA, can help clarify underlying disease mechanisms, develop biomarkers to improve early detection, measure response to treatment, and devise new therapies. Achievements in the field of proteomics research on RDs are summarized in this work.