Proteomics and islet research

Abstract

Almost a decade has elapsed since the contemporary scientists, fascinated by the promising possibilities of proteomics, conducted extensive proteomic studies to unlock the secret of islet biology in the pathogenesis of diabetes. In recent years, proteomics has been revolutionized by the successful application of improved techniques such as 2D gel-based proteomics, mass spectrometric techniques, protein arrays, nanotechnology, and single-cell proteomics. These techniques have tremendous potential for biomarker development, target validation, diagnosis, prognosis, and optimization of treatment in medical care, especially in the field of islet and diabetes research. This chapter will highlight the contributions of proteomic technologies towards the dissection of complex network of signaling molecules regulating islet function, the identification of potential biomarkers, and the understanding of mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes.