The use of a novel MUC1 antibody to identify cancer stem cells and circulating MUC1 in mice and patients with pancreatic cancer

Background and objectives: MUC1 is over-expressed and aberrantly glycosylated in >60% of human pancreatic Cancer (PC). Development of novel approaches for detection and/or targeting of MUC1 are critically needed and should be able to detect MUC1 on PC cells (including Cancer Stem Cells) and in serum.

Methods: The sensitivity and specificity of the anti-MUC1 antibody, TAB 004, was determined. CSCs were assessed for MUC1 expression using TAB 004-FITC on in vitro PC cell lines, and on lineage(-) cells from in vivo tumors and human samples. Serum was assessed for shed MUC1 via the TAB 004 EIA.

Results: In vitro and in vivo, TAB 004 detected MUC1 on >95% of CSCs. Approximately, 80% of CSCs in patients displayed MUC1 expression as detected by TAB 004. Shed MUC1 was detected serum in mice with HPAF-II (MUC1(high) ) but not BxPC3 tumors (MUC1(low)). The TAB 004 EIA was able to accurately detect stage progression in PC patients.

Conclusions: The TAB 004 antibody may be explored as a therapeutic targeting agent for CSCs in PC. The TAB 004 EIA detected circulating MUC1 in a stage-dependent manner in patients with PC and thus may be explored as a PC stage diagnostic biomarker.