Identification of novel systemic sclerosis biomarkers employing aptamer proteomic analysis

There is an important unmet need for clinically validated non-invasive biomarkers for SSc diagnosis, assessment of disease activity, extent of internal organ involvement, therapeutic response and prognosis. There is also an unmet need for biomarkers to accurately differentiate primary RP from recent onset RP evolving into SSc. The lack of sensitive and specific biomarkers for SSc and SSc-associated RP is a limitation for the optimal clinical management of these patients. The development of highly sensitive and specific proteomic analysis employing aptamers and the expansion in the number of proteins that can be specifically identified by aptamer proteomics have opened new horizons for biomarker discovery. Here, we review the background and rationale for aptamer proteomic analysis for the identification of novel non-invasive biomarkers for SSc and recent onset RP evolving into SSc. Large scale application of aptamer proteomic platforms for this purpose will be of substantial value for the precision and personalized medical care of SSc patients. These studies will be placed in context by comparison with proteomic biomarker studies performed for other rheumatological inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.