Our studies aimed to explore the
protein components of the matrix of human submandibular gland
sialoliths. A qualitative analysis was carried out based on the filter aided sample preparation (FASP) methodology. In the
protein extraction process, we evaluated the applicability of the standard demineralization step and the use of a lysis
buffer containing
sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and
dithiothreitol (DTT). The analysis of fragmentation spectra based on the human database allowed for the identification of 254 human
proteins present in the deposits. In addition, the use of multi-round search in the PEAKS Studio program against the bacterial base allowed for the identification of 393
proteins of bacterial origin present in the extract obtained from
sialolith, which so far has not been carried out for this
biological material. Furthermore, we successfully applied the SWATH methodology, allowing for a relative quantitative analysis of human
proteins present in deposits. The obtained results correlate with the classification of
sialoliths proposed by Tretiakow. The performed functional analysis allowed for the first time the selection of
proteins, the levels of which differ between the tested samples, which may suggest the role of these
proteins in the calcification process in different types of
sialoliths. These are preliminary studies, and drawing specific conclusions requires research on a larger group, but it provides us the basis for the continuation of the work that has already begun.