Proteomics in renal transplantation: opportunities and challenges

Proteomics is a fast growing scientific field that has been developed during the past 10 years. The central goals are to define the protein composition of complex biological samples, to explore alterations in protein expression related to various processes/diseases and to study functional aspects of protein-protein interactions. To date, proteomic studies are rare in renal transplantation; however, they may enhance our understanding of transplant pathophysiology and help to identify biomarkers and novel targets for rational drug therapies. The purpose of this review is to describe the possibilities and limitations of differential expression proteomic technologies with a focus on biomarker development for non-invasive renal allograft monitoring.