Proteomic analysis of differentially expressed proteins in lung cancer in Wistar rats using NNK as an inducer

• Wistar rats treated with NNK to induce lung cancer.
• Lung tissue proteins were resolved using 2D-PAGE.
• MALDI-TOF-MS revealed 66 differentially expressed proteins.
• Expression of peroxiredoxin-6 shows association in lung cancer.

Lung cancer is one of the commonest cancers detected worldwide with a high mortality rate. The responsible factors affecting survival include delayed prognosis, and lack of effective treatments. To help improve the disease management, there is a need for better screening and development of specific markers that help in the early diagnosis. Analysis of differentially expressed proteins in cancer cells in comparison to their normal counterparts using proteome profiling revealed identification of new biomarkers as therapeutic targets. Therefore, an animal model for lung cancer was developed and monitored by histopathological evaluation. Lung tissue proteins were isolated, solubilized and resolved on 2D gel electrophoresis using broad pH range IPG strips (pH 3–10). Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) revealed 66 proteins to be differentially expressed in cancer tissue as compared to normal. The study identified and characterized three of these proteins, namely peroxiredoxin-6, β-actin and collagen α-1 (VI) as potentially prospective biomarkers for early detection of lung cancer.