Proteomic analysis of differential protein expression in atherosclerosis

Although recent studies have shown that several pro-inflammatory proteins can be used as biomarkers for atherosclerosis, the mechanism of atherogenesis is unclear and little information is available regarding proteins involved in development of the disease. Atherosclerotic tissue samples were collected from patients in order to identify the proteins involved in atherogenesis. The protein expression profile of atherosclerosis patients was analysed using two-dimensional electrophoresis-based proteomics. Thirty-nine proteins were detected that were differentially expressed in the atherosclerotic aorta compared with the normal aorta. Twenty-seven of these proteins were identified in the MS-FIT database. They are involved in a number of biological processes, including calcium-mediated processes, migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, matrix metalloproteinase activation and regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Confirmation of differential protein expression was performed by Western blot analysis. Potential applications of the results include the identification and characterization of signalling pathways involved in atherogenesis, and further exploration of the role of selected identified proteins in atherosclerosis.