Embryology in the era of proteomics

Proteomic technologies have begun providing evidence that viable embryos possess unique protein profiles. Some of these potential protein biomarkers have been identified as extracellular and could be used in the development of a noninvasive quantitative method for embryo assessment. The field of assisted reproductive technologies would benefit from defining the human embryonic proteome and secretome, thereby expanding our current knowledge of embryonic cellular processes. (Fertil Steril (R) 2013;99:1073-7. (C) 2013 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)