Circulating exosomal protein EFEMP1 and SERPINC1 as diagnostic biomarkers for epithelial ovarian cancer

Shiwen Wang ¹, Huimin Wang ², Kangyu Wang ³

⁰Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China; Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, PR China.

Translational Oncology +

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September 24, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

New research identifies exosomal EFEMP1 and SERPINC1 as promising diagnostic biomarkers for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). These proteins are upregulated in EOC patients, showing high accuracy in diagnosing the disease.

Area Of Science

Biochemistry
Oncology
Biomarker Discovery

Background

Exosomes derived from cancer cells contain nucleic acids and proteins.
These exosomal components are being explored for diagnostic biomarker development.
Identifying altered exosomal proteins in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is crucial for early detection.

Purpose Of The Study

To screen and identify differentially expressed exosomal proteins between EOC patients and healthy volunteers.
To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of identified exosomal proteins for EOC.
To investigate the potential of exosomal proteins as early diagnostic markers for EOC.

Main Methods

Exosomes were isolated using ultracentrifugation and characterized by TEM, qNano, and western blot.
Mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis identified differential exosomal proteins.
EFEMP1 and SERPINC1 levels were validated by ELISA in cohorts of healthy donors, EOC patients, and patients with benign ovarian tumors.

Main Results

MS/MS identified 207 differential exosomal proteins (122 up-regulated, 85 down-regulated).
Exosomal EFEMP1 and SERPINC1 were significantly upregulated in EOC patients compared to healthy and benign groups.
The areas under the curves (AUCs) for EFEMP1 and SERPINC1 were 0.8071 and 0.8211, respectively, indicating favorable diagnostic efficiency.

Conclusions

Exosomal EFEMP1 and SERPINC1 are significantly upregulated in epithelial ovarian cancer.
These proteins demonstrate promising diagnostic accuracy and early detection potential for EOC.
Exosomal SERPINC1 may also correlate with coagulation status and deep vein thrombosis in EOC patients.

Keywords:

Diagnostic biomarkers EFEMP1 Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) Exosomal protein SERPINC1

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