Integrative proteomic profiling of tumor and plasma extracellular vesicles identifies a diagnostic biomarker panel for colorectal cancer.

Wang, Jun; Gu, Chen-Zheng; Wang, Peng-Xiang; Xian, Jing-Rong; Wang, Hao; Shang, An-Quan; Zhong, Yu-Chen; Zheng, Wen-Jing et al. · Cell Rep Med · 2025

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

The lack of reliable non-invasive biomarkers for early colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis underscores the need for improved diagnostic tools. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising candidates for liquid-biopsy-based cancer monitoring. Here, we propose a comprehensive workflow that integrates staged mass spectrometry (MS)-based discovery and verification with ELISA-based validation to identify EV protein biomarkers for CRC. Our approach, applied to 1,272 individuals, yields a machine learning model, ColonTrack, incorporating EV proteins HNRNPK, CTTN, and PSMC6. ColonTrack effectively distinguishes CRC from non-CRC cases and identifies early-stage CRC with high accuracy (combined area under the curve [AUC] >0.97, sensitivity ∼0.94, specificity ∼0.93). Our analysis of EV protein profiles from tissue and plasma demonstrates ColonTrack's potential as a robust non-invasive biomarker panel for CRC diagnosis and early detection.

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