Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis in proteomics: past, present and future

TL;DR

This review traces the history, current limitations, advantages, and future potential of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis in proteomics, emphasizing its enduring relevance despite newer techniques.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, highlighting its advantages, limitations, and future applications in proteomics.

Findings

Two-dimensional gels have high resolution and robustness.

Limitations include difficulty in analyzing complex samples.

Future applications may extend to novel proteomics techniques.

Abstract

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis has been instrumental in the birth and developments of proteomics, although it is no longer the exclusive separation tool used in the field of proteomics. In this review, a historical perspective is made, starting from the days where two-dimensional gels were used and the word proteomics did not even exist. The events that have led to the birth of proteomics are also recalled, ending with a description of the now well-known limitations of two-dimensional gels in proteomics. However, the often-underestimated advantages of two-dimensional gels are also underlined, leading to a description of how and when to use two-dimensional gels for the best in a proteomics approach. Taking support of these advantages (robustness, resolution, and ability to separate entire, intact proteins), possible future applications of this technique in proteomics are also mentioned.