Analysis of Multiple Growth Regulatory Proteins Using Dissociable Staining Antibody Arrays on Solid Tumor Biopsy Specimens

Abstract

Growth of tumor cells is often a function of deregulated growth factor receptors and their corresponding intracellular signalling molecules. The dissociable antibody staining arrays have the versatility to rapidly identify the expression, activation, and localization of such molecules and pathways in biopsy specimens. This report describes a protocol to quantify the activity of a panel of signalling molecules in Wilms tumor biopsy specimens and surrounding nonmalignant renal cells. We propose that this technique can be used to rapidly identify multiple markers and may aid in the study of aberrant growth regulatory mechanisms and potential targets for therapeutics from pathologic specimens.

Keywords :

• biopsy specimens
• antibody arrays
• Wilms tumor

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This study was supported in part by the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta and Leal Black family funds. TM has received research grants from the Alberta Cancer Research Institute.