4.1.3 Reverse-phase protein microarray
Reverse phase protein microarrays (RPA) are a subtype of analytical
microarrays. RPA involves lysing cells from different tissues, arranging
them on a nitrocellulose slide, and probing specific proteins with
antibodies. Detection is typically done using chemiluminescence,
fluorescence, or colorimetry, with reference peptides enabling protein
quantification [47]. RPA excels at comprehensive protein profiling,
including the detection of various modifications like phosphorylation,
glycosylation, ubiquitylation, cleavage, and alteration. This makes RPA
valuable for identifying disease-related protein variations and
potential targeted therapies [50]. It’s instrumental in identifying
defective protein pathways, potentially leading to targeted drug
development for disease treatment.