METCAM/MUC18 is a Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Prostate Cancer

Area of Science:

• Biomarker Discovery
• Prostate Cancer Diagnostics
• Immunological Assays

Background:

• METCAM/MUC18 is explored as a novel serum biomarker for prostate cancer.
• A modified lateral flow immune assay (LFIA) was developed using high-affinity biotin-streptavidin interactions and specific antibody combinations to enhance sensitivity and specificity.
• Further improvements were made to the modified LFIA using a new antibody combination including a biotinylated chicken antibody and a nano-gold conjugated rabbit antibody.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an improved modified LFIA for detecting serum METCAM/MUC18.
• To assess the potential of serum METCAM/MUC18 as a biomarker for predicting prostate cancer malignancy.
• To compare the performance of the new assay with existing methods like PSA tests.

Main Methods:

• A modified LFIA was employed, incorporating a novel antibody combination (biotinylated chicken antibody and nano-gold conjugated rabbit antibody).
• Calibration curves were generated using recombinant METCAM/MUC18 proteins (positive and negative controls).
• Serum samples from 36 individuals (normal, BPH, PIN, prostate cancer, treated patients) were analyzed to determine METCAM/MUC18 concentrations.

Main Results:

• The improved modified LFIA demonstrated superior performance compared to previous LFIA versions and PSA tests.
• Serum METCAM/MUC18 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and prostate cancer than in normal, BPH, or treated patients.
• A direct correlation was observed between serum METCAM/MUC18 levels and most serum PSA concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Elevated serum METCAM/MUC18 concentrations indicate its potential as a novel biomarker for predicting prostate cancer's malignant potential, particularly at the early premalignant (PIN) stage.
• METCAM/MUC18's role in driving prostate cancer cell spread suggests it could be a viable therapeutic target.