Application of emerging biomarkers as a novel approach for diagnosis of diseases

Over past decade, exponential progress has been made in the area of biomarker research. Biomarkers are indicators whose presence, absence, or abnormal levels is indicative of a normal state, disease, or exposure to xenobiotics. Several novel biomarkers have been discovered and many more are being identified each year. In addition, significant improvement has occurred in techniques which are utilized for detection and quantification of these biomarkers apart from development of novel techniques. Biomarkers have been used for variety of purposes such as diagnosis of diseases, their prognosis, risk assessment and even in their prediction. The focus of this paper is on biomarkers which are utilized in diagnosis of diseases. The paper emphasizes on various perspectives of diagnostic biomarkers including ideal diagnostic biomarkers, their discovery, their applications in diagnosis of various diseases and technologies that have been utilized in their identification and quantification. The paper sheds light on potential of biomarkers in diagnosis, challenges posed in their application in clinical setting and future potentials.