We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Ovarian Cancer Test Measures Biomarker Serum Levels

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 26 Nov 2018
A new blood test for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer measures serum levels of the biomarker N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc).

N-Glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) is a sialic acid molecule found in most non-human mammals. More...
Humans cannot synthesize Neu5Gc because the human gene CMAH was irreversibly mutated two to three million years ago, just before the emergence of the genus Homo. Furthermore, Neu5Gc-containing glycans are a prominent form of aberrant glycosylation found in human tumor cells and have been proposed as cancer biomarkers.

Investigators at the University of Adelaide (Australia) and Griffith University (Gold Coast, Australia) had previously isolated and engineered the B subunit of the subtilase cytotoxin (SubB) produced by Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli, which recognizes Neu5Gc containing glycans. The engineered form of this lectin, SubB2M, demonstrated greater specificity and enhanced recognition of Neu5Gc-containing glycans.

The investigators have now demonstrated the utility of SubB2M to detect Neu5Gc tumor biomarkers in sera from patients with ovarian cancer. Using surface plasmon resonance (SPR), they showed that SubB2M could detect the established ovarian cancer biomarker, CA125, in a highly sensitive and specific fashion in the context of human serum.

Plasmon resonance is a phenomenon that occurs when light is reflected off thin metal films, which may be used to measure interaction of biomolecules on the surface. An electron charge density wave arises at the surface of the film when light is reflected at the film under specific conditions. A fraction of the light energy incident at a defined angle can interact with the delocalized electrons in the metal film (plasmon) thus reducing the reflected light intensity.

The angle of incidence at which this occurs is influenced by the refractive index close to the backside of the metal film, to which target molecules are immobilized. If ligands in a mobile phase running along a flow cell bind to the surface molecules, the local refractive index changes in proportion to the mass being immobilized. This can be monitored in real time by detecting changes in the intensity of the reflected light.

The investigators reported that serum from patients with all stages of ovarian cancer had significantly elevated mean levels of Neu5Gc glycans compared to normal controls. Serum from patients with late stage disease (stages IIIC, IV) had uniformly elevated levels of Neu5Gc glycans. Thus, detection of Neu5Gc-glycans using SubB2M has the potential to be used as a diagnostic ovarian cancer biomarker, as well as a tool for monitoring treatment and disease progression in late stage disease.

Senior author Dr. Michael Jennings, deputy director of the institute for glycomics at Griffith University, said, "Detection of this tumor marker may also play a role in a simple liquid biopsy to monitor disease stage and treatment."

"Ovarian cancer is notoriously difficult to detect in its early stages, when there are more options for treatment and survival rates are better. Our new test is therefore a potential game changer," said contributing author Dr. James Paton, director of the research center for infectious diseases at the University of Adelaide.

The new test for ovarian cancer was described in the November 8, 2018, online edition of the journal Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.

Related Links:
University of Adelaide
Griffith University


New
Gold Member
Serological Pipets
INTEGRA Serological Pipets
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Silver Member
Quality Control Material
Multichem ID-B
New
Candida Glabrata Test
ELIchrom Glabrata
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.