Comparative 2D DIGE analysis of the depleted serum proteome for biomarker discovery

Serum is unarguably the most used diagnostic fluid. As it circulates throughout the body, leakage peptides/proteins from damaged and dying cells, host-response proteins including inflammatory mediators, and aberrant secretions from tumors and diseased tissues are released into serum, potentially providing a rich source of disease biomarkers. Here, a method for extending access to the serum proteome by removing highly abundant proteins prior to comparative two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D DIGE) and subsequent protein digestion for identification by mass spectrometry is described.