Isolation and characterization of an RNA-proteolipid complex associated with the malignant state in humans.

Abstract

An RNA-proteolipid complex was isolated from sera of patients with a variety of malignant disorders as well as from culture media of malignant cell lines. The complex, characterized by a relatively constant composition, contains 27S poly(A)+ RNA and Mr 1250 oligopeptide(s) and is rich in phospholipids and glycosphingolipids. Serum lipoproteins (low and high density) differ from this complex in density, chemical composition, and immunological reactivity. The complex was detected in 94 of 96 cases of malignancy tested but not in any of 58 patients with nonmalignant disorders or in 46 healthy individuals.