[Proteomics and diagnostic application].

Proteomics research possesses even greater potential than the achievements of genomics research. Clinical tests which more accurately identify pathology are needed. Clinical tests are also classified in terms of the metabolome. On the other hand, the techniques of proteomics research appear to be useful for developing diagnostic systems, not just searching for biomarkers. 2DG and the mass spectrometer are representative proteomics tools, and are now being used in blood tests. It is possible that systemic manifestations will come to be understood on the basis of the data obtained from them, and that they will be used for a variety of screening tests. Use of one of them, SELDI, is particularly interesting. High-throughput protein expression techniques, for example, phage display and the IVV method, are becoming useful for producing innovative high-affinity diagnostic antibodies. Protein chips that use ELISA and fluorescence for detection can be regarded as simultaneous multi-item tests. Up until now there have been chips with several spots, but it should soon become possible to make high-density chips in addition. Array devices for SPR, a new principle for viewing protein-protein interactions, have already been developed. Although they may not be very sensitive, they are useful in antibody tests because they make it possible to measure affinity. Simultaneously using different types of detection systems on the thin gold film of the SPR array would make possible a wider range of tests than ever before. Moreover, enormous chip data processing has the potential to create a new concept in profiling test methodology. Proteomics research such as that described above has the potential to give rise to new concepts in the field of diagnosis.