Serum Extracellular Vesicle-Associated GULP1 Is a Key Indicator of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant challenge due to the limited sensitivity of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). This study aimed to assess serum-derived extracellular vesicle-encapsulated GULP PTB domain-containing engulfment adaptor 1 (EV-GULP1) as a novel, noninvasive biomarker for HCC detection and prognosis, leveraging the potential of tumor-specific molecules carried by small extracellular vesicles (EVs).

Methods

The study utilized both internal and external cohorts of HCC patients and controls. Small EVs were isolated from serum samples, then characterized and validated to confirm their identity. The expression levels of EV-GULP1 were quantified using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)

SUBMITTER: Kim HS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12848681 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature