Oncofetal proteins in marine animals

Abstract

1. 1. Oncofetal proteins are produced by developing mammalian and avian fetuses. They are also produced in adults with certain types of disease, particularly malignancy. 2. 2. In this study, three common marine animals were tested for the presence of two oncofetal proteins, alpha fetal protein (AFP) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). 3. 3. The animals were two fish species, Tilapia mossambica and Chanos chanos, and one sea cucumber species, Holothuria cinerascens. The latter, as an echinoderm, is widely considered to be close to the vertebrate evolutionary line. 4. 4. Only CEA (or CEA-like substance) could be quantitatively identified. It was found in one of the fish species and the sea cucumber, in which it was in highest concentration. The presence of CEA or CEA-like substance in these animals indicates it is evolutionarily old. 5. 5. The finding of CEA or CEA-like substance in the sea cucumber suggests: (a) In some malignant as well as nonmalignant disorders, there is not only developmental but also phylogenetic regression. In short, pathology (like ontogeny) may recapitulate phylogeny. (b) The sea cucumber may provide a readily available source of CEA or CEA-like substance for production of test antisera and cancer research.