Figure 2: Application of omics in renal transplantation.

The outcome of renal transplantation is determined by pretransplantation, peritransplantation and post-transplantation factors. Omics tools can be used either for biomarker discovery or for elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying pathophysiologic processes. Peripheral blood contains almost exclusively recipient-derived cells, and genetic profiles are recipient-driven. Transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics research in peripheral blood is promising for both biomarker and therapeutic target discovery. Genotype analysis in kidney biopsy samples gives information on the donor genotype, although extensive graft inflammation with recipient-derived cells could also lead to the presence of recipient's DNA in biopsy samples. Omics analyses in biopsy specimens can be used for both therapeutic target studies and for biomarker studies, although the invasive procedure represents a major drawback of potential tissue-derived biomarkers. Finally, urine analysis using omics tools offers a great window for biomarker discovery, but the low amount of DNA in urine samples makes it unsuitable for genomic studies. Abbreviations: BKV, BK virus; CMV, cytomegalovirus; HLA, human leukocyte antigen; UTI, urinary tract infection.