Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies with high mortality, but its underlying molecular mechanisms remain not well understood. High-throughput, proteomic techniques targeting unique biological molecules may provide novel insights into HCC pathogenesis and prognosis. In this study, we systemically investigated tissue biomarkers of HCC by using surface-enhanced laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) technique. Proteomic spectra were generated from fresh tissues (26 HCC and 18 control cirrhotic liver) and analyzed by using Biomarker Wizard System. A total of 16 differential proteomic peaks were detected between HCC and cirrhotic liver tissues, and 11 between moderately and highly differentiated HCCs. The expression pattern of one proteomic peak was validated by immunohistochemistry. These molecules are potential candidate biomarkers for early diagnosis of and targeted therapy for HCC.
Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma; biomarker; immunohistochemistry; mass spectrometry; proteomic profiling.