A challenging study to identify target proteins by a proteomics approach and their validation by raising polyclonal antibody

This study was conducted to validate the theoretical feasibility of a technique to identify biomarkers in Korean native black pig (KNP) and a commercial Landrace breed. Using two-dimensional electrophoresis, we found six proteins (NADH dehydrogenase Fe-S protein 1, an unnamed protein product, similar to T-complex protein 1, annexin V = CaBP33 isoform, fatty acid-binding protein, and catechol O-methyltransferase), which appeared in KNP alone. We raised polyclonal antibodies (used as the primary antibody) for Western blotting to confirm the characteristics of the six KNP proteins. As a result, catechol O-methyltransferase, annexin V = CaBP33 isoform, and the unnamed protein product presented thicker bands in KNP than those in Landrace. Moreover, catechol O-methyltransferase was shown to be more feasible as a biomarker for KNP. However, cross-reactivity was observed with the polyclonal antibodies for KNP and the other three proteins (NADH dehydrogenase, a protein similar to T-complex protein 1, and fatty acid-binding protein). This study only showed limited results from a limited number of animals; however, our research suggests possibilities for future studies.