In vivo secretome sampling technology for proteomics

Secretome is a critical mediator for cell-cell and microbe-cell interaction. Identification of secretome will endow researchers with important biomarkers and therapeutic targets as well as reinforce the current methods used in the systems biology research of cell-cell interactions. Here, we introduce an in vivo sampling technique using capillary ultrafiltration (CUF) probes that are capable of continuously collecting pure in vivo secretome from tissue microenvironments. Great benefits of CUF probes when compared with other current sampling techniques have been acknowledged. CUF probes can be designed to fit various in vivo models and they are easily adapted to different protein-detection systems including mass spectrometers. The future challenges and clinical advantages of CUF probe sampling are also highlighted in this review. Many prospective properties such as simple manipulation, dynamic sampling, pathogen clearance, online mass spectrometric coupling, and disease treatment and monitoring have made CUF probes attractive for clinical uses in the near future.