Proteomic identification of differentially-expressed proteins in squamous cervical cancer

To identify candidate biomarkers for squamous cervical cancer as well as reveal the molecular mechanism underlying this disease by a proteomic approach.

Proteins from 10 pairs of human squamous cervical cancer and matching adjacent normal cervical tissues were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and the differentially expressed proteins were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Then, some of the interesting proteins obtained were confirmed by Western blotting in the other 20 pairs of tissues.

A comparison of protein patterns revealed 55 protein spots significantly changed, of which 24 protein spots with concordantly increased and 31 protein spots with concordantly decreased intensity in squamous cervical cancer compared with adjacent normal cervical tissues. Thirty-two of these proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. The overexpression of the Tyk2, S100A9, and Zinc finger protein 217 in squamous cervical cancer was confirmed by immunoblotting.

Our study suggested that a proteomics-based approach is useful for developing a more complete picture of the protein profile of squamous cervical cancer. Further ongoing analysis of these differential proteins will determine their potential applicability to squamous cervical cancer-specific diagnosis and therapeutics.