Quantitative analysis reveals colorectal cancer proteins

Proteins that may be linked with colorectal cancer have been identified using quantitative analysis of tissues using electrophoresis in research conducted at Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to separate hydrophobic proteins from colorectal cancer tissue by molecular weight and isoelectric point - the pH at which no net electrical charge is carried by the molecule.

Quantitative analysis of the results revealed up-regulation of certain proteins in cancerous tissue, with strong relations to patient gender, cancer grade and the stage of the disease reached.

"Proteins are functional components of the cell that regulate the cell's activity," says the World Journal of Gastroenterology.

"Understanding the differential expression of proteins in colorectal cancer and normal tissues will lead to a better understanding of the development of the disease."

The proteins, identified using mass spectrometry once separated through electrophoresis, may pave the way for the development of future drug therapies for colorectal cancer.