Urinary proteomics in the assessment of chronic kidney disease

Urinary proteomics has emerged as an approach that could deliver relevant clinical information. In this review, we aim at highlighting the recent developments, especially with respect to clinical implementation. We review several of the recent publications reporting on larger cohorts, focusing on those that aim at qualification and/or validation of urinary proteomics biomarkers.

Several components of the urinary proteome, especially its low molecular weight fraction (sometimes referred to as the 'peptidome'), have been significantly associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Independent studies, encompassing sometimes close to 1000 independent samples, indicate that specific peptides from extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins encompass a major component of the urinary proteome. Highly significant changes in the abundance of some of these peptides are associated with CKD indicating that alterations in ECM, reflected via the urinary proteome, may represent an early stage in CKD pathology. These peptides may serve as specific early biomarkers, and interference with pathological ECM accumulation may be a valuable new therapeutic approach in CKD.

Urinary proteomic biomarkers have emerged as clinically relevant variables. First studies involving several hundred individuals indicate a potential added benefit of urinary proteomic biomarkers. First large clinical trials are being initiated to employ urinary proteomics in clinical decision making.