Separation and characterization of a new breast tumor associated antigen

Objective： To separate and characterize a new breast tumor associated antigen. Methods： The specific protein peak was obtained by DEAE cellulose discontinuous chromatography of a crude extract of breast tumor and tested by ELISA.The breast tumor associated antigen was purified further by SDS PAGE and tested by ELISA.And the physico chemical characterization was determined by testing it s enzyme susceptibility and thermostability.Results： Circulating antibodies against first protein peak were observed in breast cancer patients and absent in patients with carcinoma of other organs or with benign breast disease and in healthy women. The breast tumor associated antigen was found in the first protein peak with molecular weight of approximately 85 kDa and characterized as a glycoprotein. Conclusion： The antigen appears to be a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker for breast cancer.