[Results of proteomic-based study of the kidney, urine, plasma, and uremic ultrafiltrate. Potential applications of the results in nephrology]

Abstract

Proteomics, a new branch of science studying proteins, only emerged in the postgenomic period. What makes so it important is that fact even the exciting recent insights into the genome have not furnished sufficient information about proteins, which are the main agents behind cellular, subcellular, and supracellular functions. The center of attention of proteomics is identification of proteins in complex protein mixtures with an emphasis on the identification of a large number of proteins at a time, search for interrelations between identified proteins, their more exact characterization, determination of quantity, and better understanding of their function. Proteomics in nephrology is still in its infancy. Although it makes use, like in other fields, of various methodological procedures, the principal techniques are two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight) mass spectrometry. Nephrology-related proteomic findings made to date inform about normal protein composition of renal parenchyma, urine and plasma, and on their alterations under the influence of physiological or pathological stimuli. Search is under way for uremic toxins in uremic infiltrate, and their elimination from the body of patients with renal failure using various dialysis membranes is being investigated. Findings have made it possible to formulate hypotheses regarding renal physiology and pathology. Current nephrology-related proteomics raises more questions than it answers. Its potential for improving the understanding of physiological processes, pathological states, non-invasive diagnosis, monitoring of therapy, development of drugs and therapeutic procedures is a major promise for future.