Addressing the Challenge of Defining Valid Proteomic Biomarkers and Classifiers

Background: The purpose of this manuscript is to provide, based on an extensive analysis of a proteomic data set, suggestions for proper statistical analysis for the discovery of sets of clinically relevant biomarkers. As tractable example we define the measurable proteomic differences between apparently healthy adult males and females. We choose urine as body-fluid of interest and CE-MS, a thoroughly validated platform technology, allowing for routine analysis of a large number of samples. The second urine of the morning was collected from apparently healthy male and female volunteers (aged 21-40) in the course of the routine medical check-up before recruitment at the Hannover Medical School. Results: We found that the Wilcoxon-test is best suited for the definition of potential biomarkers. Adjustment for multiple testing is necessary. Sample size estimation can be performed based on a small number of observations via resampling from pilot data. Machine learning algorithms appear ide...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2010
• Where: BMCBI
• Authors: Mohammed Dakna, Keith Harris, Alexandros Kalousis, Sebastien Carpentier, Walter Kolch, Joost P. Schanstra, Marion Haubitz, Antonia Vlahou, Harald Mischak, Mark Girolami
• Keywords: BMCBI 2010, Business, Potential Biomarkers, Proteomics, Valid Proteomic Biomarkers