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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity
Published on: August 12, 2018
Metabolic signatures in apoptotic human cancer cell lines
Anna Halama1, Gabriele Möller, Jerzy Adamski
1Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Genome Analysis Center, Neuherberg, Germany.
Abstract:
Cancer cells have several specific metabolic features, which have been explored for targeted therapies. Agents that promote apoptosis in tumors are currently considered as a powerful tool for cancer therapeutics. The present study aimed to design a fast, reliable and robust system for metabolite measurements in cells lines to observe impact of apoptosis on the metabolome. For that purpose the NBS (newborn screen) mass spectrometry-based metabolomics assay was adapted for cell culture approach. In HEK 293 and in cancer cell lines HepG2, PC3, and MCF7 we searched for metabolic biomarkers of apoptosis differing from that of necrosis. Already nontreated cell lines revealed distinct concentrations of metabolites. Several metabolites indicative for apoptotic processes in cell culture including aspartate, glutamate, methionine, alanine, glycine, propionyl carnitine (C3-carnitine), and malonyl carnitine (C3DC-carnitine) were observed. In some cell lines metabolite changes were visible as early as 4 h after apoptosis induction and preceeding the detection by caspase 3/7 assay. We demonstrated for the first time that the metabolomic signatures might be used in the tests of efficacy of agents causing apoptosis in cell culture. These signatures could be obtained in fast high-throughput screening.
Insights
This study adapted a mass spectrometry assay for cell cultures to identify metabolic biomarkers of apoptosis. These early metabolic signatures can rapidly assess the efficacy of cancer-targeting drugs.
Area of Science:
- Metabolomics
- Cancer Biology
- Cellular Metabolism
Background:
- Cancer cells exhibit unique metabolic profiles, making them targets for therapy.
- Apoptosis-inducing agents are crucial in cancer treatment.
- Monitoring apoptosis's impact on cellular metabolism requires efficient measurement systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid, robust system for measuring metabolites in cell lines.
- To identify metabolic biomarkers indicative of apoptosis.
- To assess the impact of apoptosis on the metabolome.
Main Methods:
- Adapted the newborn screen (NBS) mass spectrometry-based metabolomics assay for cell culture.
- Analyzed metabolite concentrations in HEK 293, HepG2, PC3, and MCF7 cell lines.
- Compared metabolic profiles of apoptotic versus non-apoptotic cells.
Main Results:
- Non-treated cell lines showed distinct metabolite concentrations.
- Identified key metabolites associated with apoptosis, including aspartate, glutamate, methionine, alanine, glycine, propionyl carnitine (C3-carnitine), and malonyl carnitine (C3DC-carnitine).
- Metabolic changes were detected as early as 4 hours post-apoptosis induction, preceding caspase 3/7 assay detection.
Conclusions:
- Metabolomic signatures can serve as early indicators of apoptosis in cell culture.
- This approach enables rapid, high-throughput screening for the efficacy of apoptosis-inducing agents.
- Metabolomics offers a powerful tool for evaluating cancer therapeutics targeting apoptosis.
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01:30Apoptosis
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