Deciphering the complexity of the cancer proteome for diagnostic applications

The proteome is the most functional component encoded in the genome, yet most features of the proteome that are deregulated in cancer cannot be predicted from genomic analysis alone. These include post-translational modifications (PTMs), sub-cellular localization, networks and circuitry, formation of complexes, and functional activity, all of which could play a role or be affected as part of tumorigenesis. Thus, there is a substantial opportunity to elucidate protein alterations in cancer and to translate knowledge into diagnostics and therapeutics. The progress made in mining the cancer proteome for diagnostic applications and the path forward are herein reviewed.