Current status of protein chip development in terms of fabrication and application

Sequencing of the human genome revealed that more than 30 000 genes encode proteins comprising the human proteome. "Proteomics" can be defined as a field of research studying proteins in terms of their function, expression, structure, modification and their interaction in physiological and in pathological states. The concentration, modification and interaction of proteins in cells, plasma, and in tissues are crucial in determining the phenotype of living organisms. Although fluctuation of protein concentration is essential to maintain homeostasis, protein expression levels are also pathognomonic features. Estimating protein concentration by analyzing the quantity of mRNA in cells through conventional technologies, such as DNA chips, does not provide precise values since the half-life and translation efficacy of mRNA is variable. In addition, polypeptides undergo post-translational modification. For these reasons, novel techniques are needed to analyze multiple proteins simultaneously using protein microarrays. In the near future, protein chips may allow construction of complete relational databases for metabolic and signal transduction pathways. This article reviews the current status of technologies for fabricating protein microarrays and their applications.