Advances and challenges in biomarker development for type 1 diabetes prediction and prevention using "omic" technologies

Importance of the field: Biomarkers are essential for the identification of high-risk children as well as monitoring of prevention outcomes for type 1 diabetes (T1D). Areas covered in this review: This review discusses progress, opportunities and challenges in biomarker discovery and validation using high-throughput genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic technologies. The authors also suggest potential solutions to deal with the current challenges. What the reader will gain: Readers will gain an overview of the current status on T1D biomarkers, an integrated review of three "omic" technologies, their applications and limitations for biomarker discovery and validation, and a critical discussion of the major issues encountered in biomarker development. Take home message: Better biomarkers are still urgently needed for T1D prediction and prevention. The high-throughput omic technologies offer great opportunities but also face significant challenges that have to be solved before their potential for biomarker development is fully realized.