Protein Profile Comparison of Primary Human Uveal Melanoma With Disomy versus Monosomy of Chromosome 3

Abstract

Purpose: : To compare the proteomic profiles of primary uveal melanoma with and without loss of chromosome 3.

Methods: : Three tumors with disomy 3 and four tumors with monosomy 3 were subjected to high resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Following development of individual protein spots by silver staining, the expression profile of the pattern of proteins was identified. Spots that differed between the two groups were excised and analysed by tandem mass spectrometry. Further analysis was undertaken with immunoblotting to confirm findings.

Results: : The overall protein expression profiles of the tumors were similar. Four protein spots were identified as being significantly different in the two groups. Two spots were overexpressed in the disomy 3 tumors while two spots were underexpressed. Identification of the four spots yielded nine proteins. Immunoblotting confirmed the results for heat shock protein 27, vimentin, and pyruvate dehydrogenase beta with a statistical significance for the first two proteins. In the monosomy 3 tumors heat shock protein 27 was down-regulated whilst vimentin was up-regulated.

Conclusions: : Heat shock protein 27 and vimentin differed significantly between tumours with disomy and monosomy 3. These proteins may play an important role in uveal melanoma metastasis.

Keywords: melanoma • uvea • proteomics