Analysis of protein glycation using fluorescent phenylboronate gel electrophoresis.

Glycated proteins are important biomarkers for age-related disorders, however their analysis is challenging because of the complexity of the protein-carbohydrate adducts. Here we report a method that enables the detection and identification of individual glycated proteins in complex samples using fluorescent boronic acids in gel electrophoresis. Using this method we identified glycated proteins in human serum, insect hemolymph and mouse brain homogenates, confirming this technique as a powerful proteomics tool that can be used for the identification of potential disease biomarkers.