Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of quantitating the amounts of proteins or peptides, including those that are closely related isoforms, using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Measurement of protein concentrations in vivo has been extremely difficult and problematic, and protein concentrations have not been shown to correlate well with mRNA levels, the standard used in the past. The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of prior methodologies by taking advantage of MALDI-TOF-MS technology and applying it to proteins and peptides in a way that allows for accurate, quantitative measurement in vivo of protein or peptide concentrations.

Abstract: Methods for the identification of genes involved in cardiac disease states are provided. The methods compare gene expression between diseased and therapeutically treated patients. Through the identification of new targets, additional methods for drug screening and therapy also are provided.

Abstract: Rapid screening methods are described for determining human patients at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The screening involves, for example, comparing an angiotensin-converting enzyme genomic DNA of a patient with a sequence region of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene from a person with no mutations in the region. The invention features methods of analyzing the predisposition of patients to cardiovascular disease which involves detecting small deletions, insertions, and point mutations in the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene. Small deletions, insertions, or point mutations can be detected by detecting mismatches between an angiotensin-converting enzyme genomic DNA sequence or angiotensin-converting enzyme genomic DNA-polymerase chain reaction products from a patient and a probe specific for a sequence region of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene from a person with no mutations in the region.