OBJECTIVETo analyze differentially expressed metastasis-associated proteins in Adenoid cystic carcinoma cell lines of human salivary gland by proteomics.

METHODSProtein expression alterations of ACC-2 and ACC-M cells were described by 2-D gels. After image analysis by software, proteins of interest were excised from the gels and identified by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer.

RESULTS12 protein spots showed significantly differential expression patterns between two cell lines. In the identified protein candidates, transketolase, modulator recognition factor 2, Dim1p homolog, splicing factor (arginine/serine-rich 9) and v-Ha-ras l oncogene were all lowly expressed in the poorly metastatic ACC-2 cell and significantly upregulated in highly metastatic ACC-M cell, while type I collagen pro alpha and tumor necrosis factor (ligand) superfamily member 4 showed a high expression in ACC-2 cells and a low expression in ACC-M cells. Pirin (spot 6) just appears in ACC-2 cell and was not detectable in ACC-M cell, while retinal homeobox protein was just detected in ACC-M cell and did not appear in ACC-2 cell.

CONCLUSIONSThe proteins may be involved in the adenoid cystic carcinoma lung metastasis through different mechanisms. Our work may contribute to discover diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.