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Reverse-phase protein microarrays for theranostics and patient tailored therapy
Virginia Espina1, Lance A Liotta, Emanuel F Petricoin
1Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|April 22, 2009
Summary
This study introduces reverse-phase protein microarrays (RPPA) to map cellular signaling pathways from patient biopsies. This functional proteomic map aids in diagnosing and guiding cancer therapy, offering a theranostic approach.
Area of Science:
- Proteomics
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Somatic genetic changes impact cellular function, but proteins execute cellular tasks.
- Cancer arises from disruptions in protein molecular networks and cell signaling pathways.
- These pathways represent key drug targets influencing cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the clinical utility of reverse-phase protein microarrays (RPPA) for mapping cellular signaling pathways.
- To demonstrate RPPA's ability to create a functional proteomic map from individual patient biopsy specimens.
- To highlight RPPA's role in providing a theranostic endpoint for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized reverse-phase protein microarrays (RPPA) technology.
- Integrated RPPA with laser capture microdissection (LCM) for proteome analysis.
- Performed immunodetection of total and phosphorylated signaling proteins.
Main Results:
- Generated a functional map of cellular signaling pathways from patient biopsies.
- Immobilized the entire cellular proteome on a substratum for analysis.
- Identified activated cell signaling pathways relevant to individual patients.
Conclusions:
- RPPA technology provides a functional proteomic map of cell signaling networks.
- This map can be correlated with clinical information for diagnostic and therapeutic guidance.
- The approach offers a "theranostic" endpoint for personalized cancer care.
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