The utilization of nuclear matrix proteins for cancer diagnosis

There is a great need for improved biomarkers in the areas of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Cancer-specific nuclear matrix proteins may provide clinicians with improved biomarkers for earlier diagnosis as well as improved therapies. The nuclear matrix is the RNA-protein skeleton of the nucleus that has structural and functional roles within the cell. Nuclear matrix proteins of a variety of cell lines and tissues, both normal and cancerous, have now been examined and are beginning to be characterized. After comparison of tumor and normal cell nuclear matrix protein compositions, it has been determined that there are a set of proteins common to all tissues as well as distinct tissue-specific and cancer-specific differences. It is these protein differences that provide possible novel biomarkers that may allow for earlier detection of cancer and thus potentially increase the chance of survival.