A proteomics approach to identify changes in protein profiles in pre-cancerous colon

• Published in: Biochemical and biophysical research communications 2005-04, Vol.330 (1), p.81-87
• Main Authors: Drew, Janice E., Rucklidge, Garry J., Duncan, Gary, Lufty, Awni, Farquharson, Andrew J., Reid, Martin D., Russell, Wendy R., Morrice, Philip C., Arthur, John R., Duthie, Garry G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aberrant crypt foci; Animals; Carcinogens - administration & dosage; Chromatography, Liquid; Colon cancer; Colonic Neoplasms - chemically induced; Colonic Neoplasms - metabolism; Colonic Neoplasms - pathology; Dimethylhydrazines - administration & dosage; Disease Models, Animal; Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional; Homeostasis; Male; Neoplasm Proteins - metabolism; Precancerous Conditions - metabolism; Precancerous Conditions - pathology; Prostaglandin; Proteomics; Rat; Rats; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization; Weight Gain - drug effects
• ISSN: 0006-291X; 1090-2104
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.02.125

The development of colon cancer is characterised by alterations in multiple genetic and epigenetic pathways in colon tissue leading ultimately to deregulation of colon epithelial cells. Early detection is an important factor in decreasing colon cancer deaths. Proteomic techniques were used to identify potential early markers in colon tissue exhibiting pre-cancerous activity that may characterise pathological changes in a chemically induced colon cancer rat model. Protein profiles were assessed in soluble and insoluble fractions prepared from distal colon of rats treated with the colonotropic carcinogen, dimethylhydrazine. Alterations in protein profiles were associated with the presence of aberrant crypt foci, hyperplasia and dysplasia, microanatomical changes, and metabolic changes in rat colon. These changes may have a potential role in the identification of pre-pathological features preceding colon tumorigenesis.