以PROTEOMEX來尋找人類肝細胞癌的生物標記

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related death in Taiwan. The
major risk factors identified in the development of HCC are persistent hepatitis caused by
infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatocarcinogenesis was
preceded by a long period of subclinical stage, and diagnosis of this disease was often at late
stage. The 5-year survival rate for HCC patients is below 50%. Current methods for the
diagnosis of HCC main rely on serological markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and
certain liver enzymes, together with ultrasonography. However, AFP index has poor
specificity. Searching new markers for HCC diagnosis and monitoring this disease is urgent.
To identify tumor antigens presented by HCC, we used a proteomic approach combined
serological and 2D-SDS/PAGE techniques. HCC patient sera serve as antibodies, and tumor
tissue protein as antigens. Numerous circulating anti-tumor antibodies have been described in
the serum of patients for a variety of cancers. In this study, 20 HCC serum samples and 10
HCC surgical tumor tissues were collected. Tumor proteins were extracted and separated by
2D-SDS/PAGE, and then were transferred to PVDF membranes for immunodetection.
Comparison of autoantibody responses generated by HCC patients and normal subjects made
us identify the differentially HCC candidate antigen spots. Following in-gel digestion and
matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF),
we have identified 27 candidate antigens that may be involved in chronic hepatitis B and
HBV-related HCC. Characterization of these candidate antigens may provide insight the
carcinogenesis of HCC and improve diagnosis.