Brain injury and proteomics/peptidomics: is it relevant? an overview

Proteomics and peptidomics are different and supplemental to genomics, since in contrast to the basically constant genome - the proteome and peptidome are dynamic, constantly changing, and complex networks. Proteomics is traditionally linked to 2D-gel electrophoresis techniques. Concerning peptidomics, three different approaches are currently available, all using mass spectrometry as a key element. The use of proteomics or peptidomics in traumatic brain injury (TBI) research is demanding. From the technical point of view there are high-level requirements concerning the preanalytical phase, specific machinery, sophisticated software and skilled manpower/intellectual input. There are currently no bedside techniques and most methods are suitable for experimental TBI research in specialized laboratories. In screening experiments of CSF following controlled cortical impact in rats we identified several peptides, which, although previously known, were so far not reported in the TBI context or in CSF. Peptidomics and proteomics, as highly complex screening technologies, thus seem to carry a large potential to lead TBI science. Newly "discovered" peptide targets have to be validated with different methodology to establish a real diagnostic or therapeutic value.