Methods and applications of antibody microarrays in cancer research

Antibody microarrays have great potential for significant value in biological research. Cancer research in particular could benefit from the unique experimental capabilities of this technology. This article examines the current state of antibody microarray technological developments and assay formats, along with a review of the demonstrated applications to cancer research. Work is ongoing in the refinement of various aspects of the protocols and the development of robust methods for routine use. Antibody microarray experimental formats can be broadly categorized into two classes: (1) direct labeling experiments, and (2) dual antibody sandwich assays. In the direct labeling method, the covalent labeling of all proteins in a complex mixture provides a means for detecting bound proteins after incubation on an antibody microarray. If proteins are labeled with a tag, such as biotin, the signal from bound proteins can be amplified. In the sandwich assay, proteins captured on an antibody microarray are detected by a cocktail of detection antibodies, each antibody matched to one of the spotted antibodies. Each format has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Several applications of antibody arrays to cancer research have been reported, including the analysis of proteins in blood serum, resected frozen tumors, cell lines, and on membranes of blood cells. These demonstrations clearly show the utility of antibody microarrays for cancer research and signal the imminent expansion of this platform to many areas of biological research.