Evaluation of oncofetal protein-related mRNA transport activity as a potential early cancer marker in dogs with malignant neoplasms

Abstract

SUMMARY A 55-kd protein with mRNA transport activity found in fetal rat liver cells and plasma from mice, rats, and human beings with malignant neoplasms has been designated oncofetal protein 55 (ofp55). Monoclonal antibody produced to rat ofp55 cross-reacts with human ofp55. Using this monoclonal antibody in a bioassay measuring mRNA transport stimulated by ofp55, we tested the plasma from 19 dogs with a variety of malignant neoplasms, including carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, and melanomas, and compared the results with plasma from 20 clinically normal dogs without evidence of neoplasia. The mean mRNA transport activity from the group of dogs with malignant neoplasms was 0.43 ± 0.28%/mg of protein. Mean transport activity from the group of control dogs was 0.04 ± 0.02%/mg of protein. These means were significantly different (P < 0.0001). The degree of overlap between these 2 groups in their ofp55-related mRNA transport activity was minimal, and measurement of this protein appears to have potential for the early detection of malignant neoplasms in dogs.