MALDI-TOF-MS Analysis in the Discovery and Identification of the Serum Peptide Pattern of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Abstract Objective To explore the application of serum peptidomics in the early diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods The serum specimens from 176 patients with PDAC and 158 healthy control patients were subjected to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry to obtain serum peptide profiles. Next, a classification model by differentiated peptides was established and verified to distinguish the 2 groups. Finally, the peptides were identified by tandem mass spectrometry. Results A classification model was established by 13 peptides. For patients with PDAC in the early stage, the sensitivity and specificity of the model reached 100% and 96.7%, respectively. The amino acid sequences of the 13 peptides were then determined and the types of proteins were identified, including platelet basic protein, fibrinogen alpha, complement C3, and secreted frizzled-related protein 4. Some of the 13 peptides could be potential PDAC biomarkers. Conclusion Serum peptidomics may have potential application in the early diagnosis of PDAC.