Changes in parathyroid proteome in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism due to sporadic parathyroid adenomas.

PURPOSE

The pathogenesis of parathyroid tumours is only partially understood. A direct approach using proteomics could be a promising tool to increase our understanding of parathyroid tumorigenesis. The aim of the study was to investigate differentially expressed proteins to explore the underlying molecular basis of the disease and identify potential target proteins responsible for the genesis of adenoma.

METHODS

Proteins were extracted from adenomatous and normal parathyroid tissues. Differentially expressed proteins were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-D) and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis was performed using spss 10.01 software.

RESULTS

Comparative analysis of the 2-D profiles of proteins isolated from adenomatous and normal parathyroid tissues showed 15 differentially expressed proteins, of which 11 were overexpressed. The characterized proteins were associated with diverse cellular functions including regulation of cell organization, programmed cell death, transcription and signal transduction.

CONCLUSION

The differentially expressed proteins in parathyroid adenomas may potentially serve as new targets to investigate the mechanisms of parathyroid adenoma transformation.