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Prostate specific antigen-alpha 2-macroglobulin complexes in prostate cancer patient sera
M J Heeb1, F España, R F Gittes
1Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology International
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) in cancer patients primarily exists bound to protease inhibitors like alpha 2-macroglobulin. This binding occurs in vivo, indicating PSA
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a key biomarker in prostate cancer diagnostics.
- The in vivo behavior and binding partners of PSA in patient sera are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the complex formation of PSA with protease inhibitors in prostate cancer patient sera.
- To determine the predominant binding partners of PSA in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative immunoblotting was employed to analyze PSA complexes in patient sera.
- Electrophoresis was used to compare patient serum complexes with purified complexes.
- Specific antibodies were utilized for selective removal of PSA complexes.
Main Results:
- Most PSA in prostate cancer patient sera was found complexed with alpha 1-antichymotrypsin or alpha 2-macroglobulin.
- PSA complexes in patient sera comigrated with purified complexes during electrophoresis.
- In normal plasma, PSA initially formed complexes with alpha 2-macroglobulin, suggesting a preferential reaction.
Conclusions:
- PSA reacts more readily with alpha 2-macroglobulin than other plasma protease inhibitors.
- PSA forms complexes with alpha 2-macroglobulin in vivo in prostate cancer patients.