Saliva proteome research: current status and future outlook

Area of Science:

• Proteomics
• Biomarker Discovery
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Human saliva contains clinically relevant proteins, including approximately 30% of blood proteins, suggesting diagnostic potential.
• The complexity and dynamic nature of the salivary proteome present challenges for translating biomarker discoveries into clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review technological advancements and strategies for analyzing the human salivary proteome.
• To discuss the influence of sample preparation and processing on salivary protein analysis and biomarker discovery.

Main Methods:

• Review of current technologies and approaches for salivary proteome analysis.
• Discussion of sample preparation, post-translational modifications, protein-protein interactions, and enrichment strategies.
• Evaluation of selected-reaction-monitoring techniques for biomarker validation and limitations in proteomics.

Main Results:

• Saliva's proteome dynamics and sample handling significantly impact downstream protein applications.
• Specific techniques like selected-reaction monitoring show promise for biomarker discovery and validation.
• Standardized protocols for saliva sampling, processing, and storage are crucial for reliable clinical proteomics.

Conclusions:

• Technological advancements in high-throughput, sensitive proteome-wide analyses are key to unlocking saliva's diagnostic potential.
• Well-controlled study designs coupled with optimized sample handling will enable saliva to become a viable, non-invasive alternative to blood-based diagnostics.