Serum Proteomic Profiling Reveals Differentially Expressed IGHG3 and A1AG1 as Potential Predictors of Chemotherapeutic Response in Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to identify differentially expressed proteins in the serum of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients responding to carboplatin (CAR) plus paclitaxel (PTX) chemotherapy compared to non-responders. Materials and Methods: Serum from 8 responders and 6 non-responders was subjected to proteomic analysis by label-free liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and validated by western blotting. CAR/PTX-resistant human H1792 and A549 cells were used for evaluating gene expression. Results: Fifty-two proteins were differentially expressed between responders and non-responders. Alpha 1 antitrypsin antibody, alpha 1 acid glycoprotein (A1AG1), afamin, protein S100-A9 and immunoglobulin heavy constant gamma 3 (IGHG3) were validated. IGHG3 was elevated (p=0.037) while A1AG1 was reduced (p=0.003) in responders as compared to non-responders. Gene expression of IGHG3 and ORM1 in resistant cells showed consistent results with the proteomics profiles. Conclusion: Serum expression levels of IGHG3 and A1AG1 proteins may be useful to recruit an NSCLC subpopulation that can benefit from CAR plus PTX standard therapy.