Applications of Multiple Reaction Monitoring to Clinical Glycomics

Multiple reaction monitoring or MRM is widely acknowledged for its accuracy of quantitation. The applications have mostly been in the analysis of small molecules and proteins, but its utility is expanding. Protein glycosylation was recently identified as a new paradigm in biomarker discovery for health and disease. A number of recent studies have now identified differential glycosylation patterns associated with health and disease states, including aging, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis and different types of cancer. While the use of MRM in clinical glycomics is still in its infancy, it can likely play a role in the quantitation of protein glycosylation in the clinical setting. Here, we aim to review the current advances in the nascent application of MRM in the field of glycomics.