Application of a Glycoproteomics-Based Biomarker Development Method: Alteration in Glycan Structure on Colony Stimulating Factor 1 Receptor as a Possible Glycobiomarker Candidate for Evaluation of Liver Cirrhosis

The importance of diagnosis and therapies for liver cirrhosis (LC) is indisputable. Thus, a reliable method for monitoring the progression of liver fibrosis and resultant LC is urgently needed. Previously, using a lectin-assisted glycoproteornic method, we identified 26 serum glycoproteins as promising glycobiomarker candidates for monitoring the progression of liver diseases. In this study, we identified colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) as a promising LC marker candidate and then established Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA)-reactive CSF1R (WFA(+)-CSF1R) as a novel possible glycobiomarker candidate by utilizing a glycoproteomics-based strategy. The serum level of WFA(+)-CSF1R in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected liver disease was measured by an antibody-lectin sandwich ELISA. In a proof-of-concept experiment of the strategy preceding to future clinical studies, LC patients showed a high serum WFA(+)-CSF1R level in selected samples (P = 1.3 X 10(-17)). This result suggests WFA(+)-CSF1R is a possible biomarker candidate for evaluation of LC. Our results verified feasibility of this strategy for glycobiomarker development.