Advancements in mass spectrometry-based proteomics: a new era in pathology research and diagnostics.

Background: Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics is rapidly transforming pathology research and diagnostics by enabling comprehensive studies of protein expression and post-translational modifications (PTMs).

Objective: This article discusses recent advancements in MS-based proteomics, focusing on emerging technologies in sample preparation, MS instrumentation, and data analysis. These developments are scrutinized for their applications in clinical cohort studies and molecular pathology diagnostics.

Materials and methods: The article reviews innovations in automated sample preparation, chromatography systems, advanced MS technologies, and proteomic data analysis in the context of pathology. Specific applications such as liquid biopsy, spike-in heavy peptide panels, immunopeptidomics, and PTM screening are highlighted alongside opportunities for data integration.

Results: Recent technological improvements have significantly increased the throughput, precision, and scope of proteomic studies, enabling the analysis of large clinical cohorts and small specimens with unprecedented sensitivity. Advanced MS techniques have broadened applications, opening new avenues for discovery and diagnosis of marker proteins and therapeutic targets.

Conclusion: Advancements in MS-based proteomics have created new opportunities in clinical research and diagnostics. By facilitating more comprehensive and integrated analyses of proteomes, these technologies are set to play a pivotal role in the future of personalized medicine and pathology research.