Procedure optimization for preparing human fecal samples for mass spectrometry analysis******

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Biomarkers are defined as molecules (e.g. DNA, RNA, proteins) that indicate an alteration of the physiological condition of an individual in relation to health and disease. Stool samples offer a non-invasive and biologically relevant material for the search of biomarkers of intestinal diseases such as colorectal cancer (CRC) and the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Despite a great potential for medical application, the research on human fecal protein biomarkers remains relatively narrow to this date. ** Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) offers a potent approach for investigating the fecal proteome and characterizing biomarkers. However, the protein composition of feces is very complex and the development of a worthy protocol for the analysis of human stool proteins with this technology can be complicated. The objective of the project presented in this application is to establish a protocol that optimizes the efficacy and consistency of human protein detection by LC-MS/MS with the specific instrumentation of our partner - PhenoSwitch Bioscience Inc. The transfer of the protocol to this company will serve to increase their MS services and future business opportunities such as analyzing samples from healthy, CRC and IBD patients in order to identify biomarker candidates and to validate our LC-MS/MS strategy. ** In the context where the health sciences and medicine are moving rapidly toward a more comprehensive use of biomarkers, this project will lay the foundation for the development of innovative MS-based tests that improve the screening and diagnosis of intestinal diseases. The future potential benefits of such innovation for Canada are multiple and encompass reducing the number of unnecessary colonoscopies and enhancing the survival rate of patients with CRC, both of which are desirable for Canadian patients and the health system. ******