Multiple Analyte Profiling (xMAP) Technology Coupled with Functional Bioinformatics Strategies: Potential Applications in Protein Biomarker Profiling in Autoimmune Inflammatory Diseases

Abstract

Multiple analyte profiling (xMAP) technology is used in the multiplex assays for the simultaneous detection of different analytes (up to 500 analytes) within a small sample volume. xMAP assays adopt a liquid array bioassay technique using light-emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, photodetectors, and digital signal processors to acquire, process, and analyze data using custom-made patented software. The xMAP assays are quick, precise, flexible, and cost-effective and require very small volume of biological samples compared to conventional immunoassays. Since xMAP technology is an open architecture platform, it is extensively being used in the fields of drug discovery and development, clinical diagnostics, genetic analysis, biodefense, food safety, and biomedical research. Now xMAP technology is the most commonly used bead-based multiplexing platform with over 15,500 instruments installed, 35,000 peer-reviewed publications, and more than 70 Luminex Partners providing xMAP customers over 1300 research kits as well as custom assay solutions. The main aim of this chapter is to discuss the latest findings and applications of xMAP immunoassay technology coupled with functional bioinformatics strategies to unravel protein biomarkers in autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.