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Bead Aggregation Assays for the Characterization of Putative Cell Adhesion Molecules
Published on: October 17, 2014
Soluble N-cadherin in human biological fluids
Lara Derycke1, Olivier De Wever, Veronique Stove
1Laboratory of Experimental Cancerology, Department of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
International Journal of Cancer
|September 26, 2006
Summary
Soluble N-cadherin, a protein fragment, is present in serum and elevated in prostate cancer patients. This finding may aid in diagnosing and monitoring prostate cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Classical cadherins (E-, P-, N-cadherin) are key cell-cell adhesion proteins vital for development, tissue integrity, and cancer.
- Proteolytic shedding generates soluble cadherin ectodomains, with elevated E- and P-cadherin found in cancer patients' serum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and levels of soluble N-cadherin in serum.
- To explore the association of soluble N-cadherin with prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- Direct ELISA and immunoprecipitation were employed to detect soluble N-cadherin in serum.
- Correlation analysis was performed between soluble N-cadherin and prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
Main Results:
- Soluble N-cadherin (90-kD fragment) was detected in the serum of both healthy individuals and cancer patients.
- Significantly elevated soluble N-cadherin levels were observed in prostate cancer follow-up patients.
- A correlation was identified between prostate-specific antigen and soluble N-cadherin levels.
Conclusions:
- N-cadherin is neo-expressed in prostate carcinomas and linked to epithelial-to-fibroblastic transition.
- Elevated serum soluble N-cadherin concentrations in prostate cancer patients suggest its potential as a biomarker.
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