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Published on: September 25, 2011
Identification of BCP-20 (FBXO39) as a cancer/testis antigen from colon cancer patients by SEREX
Myung-Ha Song1, Jong-Cheon Ha, Sang-Mok Lee
1Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Beomeo-ri, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 626-770, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Cancer/Testis (CT) antigens are considered promising target molecules for immunotherapy. To identify potential CT antigens, we performed immunoscreening of a testis cDNA library with sera from colon cancer patients by SEREX. We isolated 114 positive cDNA clones comprising 90 different antigens, designated BCP-1 through BCP-90. Quantitative real-time and conventional RT-PCR analysis showed that BCP-20, -33, and -41 antigens were expressed strongly only in a normal testis and detected in 22 cases (39%), 12 cases (21%), and 17 cases (30%), respectively, from 57 colon tumors. BCP-20 was also detected in various cancer cell lines including breast, colon, hepatoma, renal, thyroid anaplastic, ovary, sarcoma, and lung. By ELISA analysis, anti-BCP-20 antibody was detected in 3 of 50 colon cancer and 1 of 24 gastric cancer patients while healthy donors were three positive (3/50). But the BCP-20 antibody levels of patients with colon cancer showed significantly higher titers than those of healthy donors. These data suggest that the BCP-20 gene is a new CT antigen and may be useful for diagnosis and immunotherapy.
Insights
Researchers identified BCP-20 as a novel Cancer/Testis (CT) antigen. This antigen shows promise for developing new diagnostic tools and immunotherapies for various cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cancer/Testis (CT) antigens are crucial targets for cancer immunotherapy.
- Identifying novel CT antigens is essential for advancing cancer treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel Cancer/Testis antigens from colon cancer patients.
- To evaluate the potential of identified antigens as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- SEREX (Serological Identification of Antigens by Recombinant Expression) immunoscreening of a testis cDNA library.
- Quantitative real-time and conventional RT-PCR for gene expression analysis.
- ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) for antibody detection.
Main Results:
- 114 positive cDNA clones representing 90 unique antigens were isolated.
- BCP-20, BCP-33, and BCP-41 were highly expressed in normal testis and detected in colon tumors.
- BCP-20 was found in multiple cancer cell lines, and anti-BCP-20 antibodies were detected in colon and gastric cancer patients with higher titers than in healthy donors.
Conclusions:
- BCP-20 is a newly identified Cancer/Testis antigen with potential utility in cancer diagnosis.
- BCP-20 may serve as a valuable target for developing novel cancer immunotherapies.
