Open AccessSalivary proteomic and genomic biomarkers for primary Sjögren's syndrome
Author(s) -
Hu Shen,
Wang Jianghua,
Meijer Jiska,
Ieong Sonya,
Xie Yongming,
Yu Tianwei,
Zhou Hui,
Henry Sharon,
Vissink Arjan,
Pijpe Justin,
Kallenberg Cees,
Elashoff David,
Loo Joseph A.,
Wong David T.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.22954
Subject(s) - saliva , messenger rna , microarray , fold change , pathogenesis , microbiology and biotechnology , proteomics , immune system , biology , immunology , gene expression , gene , medicine , genetics , biochemistry
Objective To identify a panel of protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) biomarkers in human whole saliva (WS) that may be used in the detection of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Methods Mass spectrometry and expression microarray profiling were used to identify candidate protein and mRNA biomarkers of primary SS in WS samples. Validation of the discovered mRNA and protein biomarkers was also demonstrated using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting techniques. Results Sixteen WS proteins were found to be down‐regulated and 25 WS proteins were found to be up‐regulated in primary SS patients compared with matched healthy control subjects. These proteins reflected the damage of glandular cells and inflammation of the oral cavity system in patients with primary SS. In addition, 16 WS peptides (10 up‐regulated and 6 down‐regulated in primary SS) were found at significantly different levels ( P < 0.05) in primary SS patients and controls. Using stringent criteria (3‐fold change; P < 0.0005), 27 mRNA in saliva samples were found to be significantly up‐regulated in the primary SS patients. Strikingly, 19 of 27 genes that were found to be overexpressed were interferon‐inducible or were related to lymphocyte filtration and antigen presentation known to be involved in the pathogenesis of primary SS. Conclusion Our preliminary study has indicated that WS from patients with primary SS contains molecular signatures that reflect damaged glandular cells and an activated immune response in this autoimmune disease. These candidate proteomic and genomic biomarkers may improve the clinical detection of primary SS once they have been further validated. We also found that WS contains more informative proteins, peptides, and mRNA, as compared with gland‐specific saliva, that can be used in generating candidate biomarkers for the detection of primary SS.