Proteomic Analysis of Periodontal Diseases: Current Status and Future Directions

AbstractProteins are fundamental components of cellular metabolic pathways and govern the structural and functional integrity of living systems. A wide range of protein molecules play critical roles in the initiation, progression, and severity of periodontal disease. Population-scale proteomic analysis is revolutionizing the understanding of periodontal disease by elucidating underlying molecular mechanisms and enabling the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Proteomics, the study of expression of proteomes and their functions, has significantly advanced periodontal research by facilitating the early detection of disease through the identification of biomarkers present in oral secretions. Beyond diagnostics, proteomic approaches offer substantial potential to enhance the management of periodontal diseases byenabling risk assessment, rapid diagnosis, disease prevention, and monitoring. This review discusses the role of proteomics in periodontology, from basic proteomic concepts and technologies to their applications in understanding periodontal tissues, disease mechanisms, microbial interactions, biomarker discovery, tissue engineering and the future potential of proteomics in improving periodontal diagnosis and therapy, highlighting ongoing efforts to harness its potential for improving clinical outcomes and developing effective treatments for periodontal diseases.