A Hidden Human Proteome Signature Characterizes the Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Program

Area of Science:

• Proteomics and Cancer Biology
• Genomic and Proteomic Analysis

Background:

• Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) involves complex proteome alterations.
• The function of proteins from non-coding genomic regions during EMT is largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify alternative protein signatures in breast cancer models exhibiting distinct EMT marker expression.
• Explore novel protein products from alternative open reading frames (AltProts) and isoforms.

Main Methods:

• Utilized liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for protein profiling.
• Interrogated the OpenProt database for novel predicted isoforms and AltProts.
• Analyzed MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines.

Main Results:

• Discovered an AltProt and isoform signature that differentiates breast cancer cell lines.
• Observed highly expressed alternative proteins associated with inflammation, metabolism, and EMT.
• Successfully classified cell lines based on the identified protein signature.

Conclusions:

• Presented a novel AltProt signature associated with EMT.
• Further research is required to elucidate the role of these alternative proteins in cancer progression.