Quantitative analysis of proteins of metabolism by reverse phase protein microarrays identifies potential biomarkers of rare neuromuscular diseases

BACKGROUND: Muscle diseases have been associated with changes in the expression of proteins involved in energy metabolism. To this aim we have developed a number of monoclonal antibodies against proteins of energy metabolism. METHODS: Herein, we have used Reverse Phase Protein Microarrays (RPMA), a high throughput technique, to investigate quantitative changes in protein expression with the aim of identifying potential biomarkers in rare neuromuscular diseases. A cohort of 73 muscle biopsies that included samples from patients diagnosed of Duchenne (DMD), Becker (BMD), symptomatic forms of DMD and BMD in female carriers (Xp21 Carriers), Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2C (LGMD2C), neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), glycogenosis type V (Mc Ardle disease), isolated mitochondrial complex I deficiency, intensive care unit myopathy and control donors were investigated. The nineteen proteins of energy metabolism studied included members of the mitochondrial oxidation of pyruvate, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, β-oxidation of fatty acids, electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation, glycogen metabolism, glycolysis and oxidative stress using highly specific antibodies. RESULTS: The results indicate that the phenotype of energy metabolism offers potential biomarkers that could be implemented to refine the understanding of the biological principles of rare diseases and, eventually, the management of these patients. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that some biomarkers of energy metabolism could be translated into the clinics to contribute to the improvement of the clinical handling of patients affected by rare diseases. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-015-0424-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.