Proteome Analysis of Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia by Two-dimensional Blue Native/Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Gel Electrophoresis

Background: Despite the significant progress in the treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in children, it still remains as one of the most challenging malignancies in adults. Identification of new biomarkers may improve the management of adult ALL. Proteins expressed on the cell surface can be considered as disease-associated biomarkers with potential for diagnosis and targeted therapies. Thus, membrane proteome studies give essential information about the disease-related biomarkers. 
Methods: We applied 2-dimensional blue-native SDS-PAGE technique followed by MALDI-TOF/TOF-mass spectrometry to study the cell membrane proteome of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of adult B-ALL patients in comparison to that of the healthy controls. 
Results: Sixty seven differentially expressed protein spots were detected, among them 52 proteins were found to be up-regulated but the other 15 proteins were down-regulated in B-ALL. Five differentially expressed proteins, involved in energy metabolism pathways, were detected in B-ALL patients compared to the healthy control group. 
Conclusion: Differentially expressed proteins provide an insight into the molecular biology of B-ALL. Further studies must be done to confirm our data to be considered as potential targets for detection and treatment of B-ALL.