Evaluation Of Specific Fecal Protein Biochips For The Diagnosis Of Colorectal Cancer

Objective:We determined the proteomic profile of fecal samples from colorectal cancer patients and healthy controls. We used these data to develop and initially test a potential fecal protein biochip for the screening of colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods:The total protein was extracted from 20 CRC patients and 20 healthy controls and concentration was tested by BCA. In one hand, fecal samples from 20 CRC patients and 20 healthy controls were screened for proteomic differences using a Biotin label-based protein array. In another hand, we got the significant protein molecular by literature reviews and studies. Candidate proteins were then verified by ELISA. Finally, a seven-target multiplex fecal protein biochip was generated and tested for another new 20 fecal samples to determine the effectiveness of the biochip on identifying CRC.Result:Levels of Calprotectin, M2-PK, Ang-2, fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), MMP-10, thrombopoietin (TPO) and IL-13 were significantly different between CRC and controls. The sensitivity of the seven proteins combined for the diagnosis of the 10 CRC patients and 10 healthy controls was 0.7, specificity was 0.4, and area under the receiver operating characteristics was 0.729. The most promising combinations of test proteins were FGF-23, TPO, and IL-13, reaching a sensitivity of 0.7 and a specificity of 0.7. The combination of FGF-23 and TPO scored highest with sensitivity of 0.7 and specificity of 0.8.Conclusion:A protein biochip composed of proteins found to be elevated in the feces of colorectal cancer patients has great potential as a noninvasive diagnostic for colorectal cancer. The addition of new protein biomarkers and technologies, as they are discovered, is an excellent avenue of future research and large scale studies are needed.