Knowledge-based identification of soluble biomarkers: hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD as an example

PLoS One. 2013;8(2):e56009. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056009. Epub 2013 Feb 6.

Abstract

The discovery of biomarkers is often performed using high-throughput proteomics-based platforms and is limited to the molecules recognized by a given set of purified and validated antigens or antibodies. Knowledge-based, or systems biology, approaches that involve the analysis of integrated data, predominantly molecular pathways and networks may infer quantitative changes in the levels of biomolecules not included by the given assay from the levels of the analytes profiled. In this study we attempted to use a knowledge-based approach to predict biomarkers reflecting the changes in underlying protein phosphorylation events using Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) as a model. Two soluble biomarkers, CCL-2 and FasL, were inferred in silico as relevant to NAFLD pathogenesis. Predictive performance of these biomarkers was studied using serum samples collected from patients with histologically proven NAFLD. Serum levels of both molecules, in combination with clinical and demographic data, were predictive of hepatic fibrosis in a cohort of NAFLD patients. Our study suggests that (1) NASH-specific disruption of the kinase-driven signaling cascades in visceral adipose tissue lead to detectable changes in the levels of soluble molecules released into the bloodstream, and (2) biomarkers discovered in silico could contribute to predictive models for non-malignant chronic diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / blood*
  • Chemokine CCL2 / blood*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Fas Ligand Protein / blood*
  • Fatty Liver / blood
  • Fatty Liver / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Knowledge Bases*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / blood
  • Liver Cirrhosis / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
  • Phosphorylation
  • Proteomics
  • Signal Transduction
  • Systems Biology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • CCL2 protein, human
  • Chemokine CCL2
  • FASLG protein, human
  • Fas Ligand Protein

Grants and funding

The study was essentially self-funded. ELISA kits were purchased by one of the co-authors (EP). Access to Metacore and Pathway studio software were purchased by GMUand Inova Hospital, respectively. No external funding was used.