Global proteomic analysis of microdissected cirrhotic nodules reveals significant biomarkers associated with clonal expansion

Cirrhosis is a heterogeneous tissue composed of polyclonal regenerative and monoclonal neoplastic, potentially malignant nodules from which hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC) might develop. The aim of this study was to investigate proteomic profile changes associated with clonal expansion of cirrhotic nodules and malignant transformation of monoclonal nodules. Seventy-one cirrhotic nodules from 10 female patients with six HCC were dissected from liver surgical specimen by laser capture microdissection. Clonal status of each nodule was assessed by the study of X-chromosome inactivation pattern using the human androgen receptor. Protein profiles were determined by surface-enhanced laser desorption ionisation-time-of-flight technology using Q10 arrays ( Cyphergen ProteinChip((R))). Molecular weight of differentially expressed protein peaks was assessed. An average of 50 protein peaks was obtained for each nodule's profile. Comparison of protein profiles in polyclonal ( n = 45) and monoclonal cirrhotic nodules ( n = 26) identified three differentially expressed protein peaks ( 10 092, 54 025 and 62 133 Da). All were upregulated in monoclonal nodules. Twelve peaks were differentially expressed between monoclonal nodules and HCC with nine proteins upregulated in cancer samples. This study confirms that proteome analysis can be achieved from a limited number of microdissected cells, and provides further insight into the process of clonal expansion and malignant transformation of cirrhotic nodules.