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Author Spotlight: Advancing Tear Fluid Analysis Using a Standardized Protocol for Proteomics Research
Published on: December 1, 2023
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Evaluation of pre-processing methods for tear fluid proteomics using proximity extension assays.
Daphne P C Vergouwen1,2, Amber J Schotting3, Tanja Endermann4
1Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. d.vergouwen@erasmusmc.nl.
Scientific Reports
|March 18, 2023
Summary
Schirmer strip processing impacts tear biomarker analysis. Punching tear-soaked strips, excluding the eye-contacting head, offers superior protein detectability for research.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biochemistry
- Proteomics
Background:
- Tear fluid is a promising source for non-invasive biomarker discovery.
- Standardized processing of Schirmer strips is crucial for reliable tear analysis and inter-study comparisons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare protein detectability between punching and elution methods for processing Schirmer strips.
- To investigate protein distribution along Schirmer strips.
Main Methods:
- Tear-soaked Schirmer strips from 5 healthy participants were divided.
- Punches and eluates were obtained from four locations along the strips.
- 92 inflammatory proteins were quantified using proximity extension assays.
Main Results:
- The punching method showed significantly higher protein detectability (76%) than elution (66%).
- Protein levels were similar across strip parts, except for the head, which had higher levels but also quality control failures.
- Protein expression levels were comparable in the remaining parts of the strips.
Conclusions:
- Punching Schirmer strips, excluding the head section, is a beneficial method for tear biomarker research.
- This method enhances protein detectability and aids in standardized tear fluid analysis.
