Applying SDS-PAGE to Serum Proteomics for Prostate Cancer Biomarker Discovery

This study aimed to qualitatively analyze and compare the serum protein profiles of prostate cancer patients and healthy controls using sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to identify potential novel protein biomarkers for early detection. A case-control study was conducted using serum samples from 50 biopsy-confirmed prostate cancer patients and 45 age-matched healthy controls. Proteins were separated on a 10% resolving gel using a vertical slab gel apparatus, followed by Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining. A low molecular weight marker (14.4–116 kDa) wasused to estimate protein sizes. Qualitative analysis revealed that the majority of control samples (e.g., N1-N5) exhibited a consistent profile of 16 distinct protein bands. In contrast, prostate cancer cases typically showed a reduced number of bands (mean = 14). Notably, two high molecular weight bands (>116 kDa) were consistently absent in most cancer samples. Differential expression was observed at specific molecular weights: a band near 35 kDa was frequently upregulated in cases, while a band below 14.4 kDa was downregulated. Several unique banding patterns were identified in individual cases (e.g., C24, C33). The serum protein profile of prostate cancer patients exhibits significant qualitativeand quantitative alterations compared to healthy controls. The consistent absence of specific high molecular weight proteins suggests their potential utility as diagnostic biomarkers. Further validation with advanced proteomic techniques is warranted.