Pediatric proteomics: an introduction.

ABSTRACT

The overall goal of this series is to detail the paradigm shift that proteomics will bring to the practice of pediatric medicine and research. Proteomics is the global study of proteins in a biological system, tissue or bodily fluid. This first review will provide a brief overview of proteomics and describe its niche in the other "omics" of system biology. The underlying technology and methodology will be outlined as well as the obstacles that must be surmounted before pediatric proteomics is optimally useful for clinicians. The potential of proteomics in the area of personalized pediatric medicine will also be discussed since this is of particular clinical relevance. The second article in this series will focus on the application of proteomics to neonatology with particular emphasis on diseases where oxidative stress plays a key pathophysiological role.