Proteomics in antitumor research

Abstract

Proteins are the molecular players of fine-tuned regulatory pathways that underlie the behavior of any cell type. Derangement of this wide protein circuitry has a profound effect on cell life and ultimately contributes to the development of diseases such as cancer. New proteomic technologies are rapidly evolving to define and characterize the nodes of this altered protein network, both inside and outside cancer cells. Hopefully, these technologies will become user-friendly laboratory tools to improve cancer management from early detection to the development of rational and patienttailored therapeutic strategies.