Proteomics of Alzheimer's disease: understanding mechanisms and seeking biomarkers

Alzheimer's disease is the scourge of the modern, aging world: a costly, damaging disease that robs the elderly of their ability to function as well as their memories. Three decades of progress have resulted in a deep understanding of the pathological processes and a range of targets for therapy, many of which have advanced to late-stage clinical trials. Proteomics has contributed greatly to these advances and will continue to have a growing role in determining the nature of the pathological lesions in the brain. In addition, proteomics (both gel based and gel free, mass spectrometry based), is likely to play an increasing role in identifying biomarkers that may assist in early diagnosis and in monitoring progression and, most importantly, response to therapy.