Dimethyl-labeling-based protein quantification and pathway search: A novel method of spinal cord analysis applicable for neurological studies

In this paper we describe a simple, fast, and inexpensive approach for quantitative analysis of proteins originated from small central nervous system (CNS) samples, i.e., rat spinal cord. The presented sample preparation protocol and quantification results from isotope dimethyl labeling were statistically evaluated and approved as a reliable and robust method for animal model studies of neurological disorders. Combined with the biopathway analysis tool IPA, the method was applied for comparative analysis of proteins in the dorsal and ventral segments of the rat spinal cord. The results are in agreement with the previously published protein patterns in these tissues. A majority (73%) of proteins identified as "related with CNS development and functions" were found to be overexpressed in the dorsal section compared to the ventral segment. The pathway related to neuropathic pain was overrepresented in the dorsal tissue samples. The developed novel approach may be applied for analyses of the spinal cord mediated neurological dysfunctions and pathological pain.