Calnexin as a dual-role biomarker: antibody-based diagnosis and therapeutic targeting in lung cancer

BMB Rep. 2024 Mar;57(3):155-160. doi: 10.5483/BMBRep.2023-0228.

Abstract

Lung cancer carries one of the highest mortality rates among all cancers. It is often diagnosed at more advanced stages with limited treatment options compared to other malignancies. This study focuses on calnexin as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Calnexin, a molecular chaperone integral to N-linked glycoprotein synthesis, has shown some associations with cancer. However, targeted therapeutic or diagnostic methods using calnexin have been proposed. Through 1D-LCMSMS, we identified calnexin as a biomarker for lung cancer and substantiated its expression in human lung cancer cell membranes using Western blotting, flow cytometry, and immunocytochemistry. Anti-calnexin antibodies exhibited complement-dependent cytotoxicity to lung cancer cell lines, resulting in a notable reduction in tumor growth in a subcutaneous xenograft model. Additionally, we verified the feasibility of labeling tumors through in vivo imaging using antibodies against calnexin. Furthermore, exosomal detection of calnexin suggested the potential utility of liquid biopsy for diagnostic purposes. In conclusion, this study establishes calnexin as a promising target for antibody-based lung cancer diagnosis and therapy, unlocking novel avenues for early detection and treatment. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(3): 155-160].

Publication types

  • News

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Calnexin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Lung Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Molecular Chaperones / metabolism

Substances

  • Calnexin
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Molecular Chaperones
  • Biomarkers

Grants and funding

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This research was supported by the Korea Drug Development Fund funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT; the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy; and the Ministry of Health and Welfare (RS-2021-DD121345, Korea).