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Preparation of Mitochondria from Ovarian Cancer Tissues and Control Ovarian Tissues for Quantitative Proteomics Analysis
Published on: November 18, 2019
Emerging Role of Metabolomics in Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis
Asia Saorin1, Emanuela Di Gregorio1, Gianmaria Miolo2
1Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy.
Abstract:
Ovarian cancer is considered a silent killer due to the lack of clear symptoms and efficient diagnostic tools that often lead to late diagnoses. Over recent years, the impelling need for proficient biomarkers has led researchers to consider metabolomics, an emerging omics science that deals with analyses of the entire set of small-molecules (≤1.5 kDa) present in biological systems. Metabolomics profiles, as a mirror of tumor-host interactions, have been found to be useful for the analysis and identification of specific cancer phenotypes. Cancer may cause significant metabolic alterations to sustain its growth, and metabolomics may highlight this, making it possible to detect cancer in an early phase of development. In the last decade, metabolomics has been widely applied to identify different metabolic signatures to improve ovarian cancer diagnosis. The aim of this review is to update the current status of the metabolomics research for the discovery of new diagnostic metabolomic biomarkers for ovarian cancer. The most promising metabolic alterations are discussed in view of their potential biological implications, underlying the issues that limit their effective clinical translation into ovarian cancer diagnostic tools.
Insights
Metabolomics, the study of small molecules, offers new hope for early ovarian cancer detection. This research reviews how metabolic changes can serve as biomarkers for improved diagnosis of this silent killer.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late due to subtle symptoms and lack of effective diagnostic tools.
- Metabolomics analyzes small molecules (≤1.5 kDa) in biological systems, reflecting tumor-host interactions.
- Metabolic alterations are hallmarks of cancer, offering potential for early detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of metabolomics research for identifying novel diagnostic biomarkers in ovarian cancer.
- To discuss promising metabolic alterations and their biological implications.
- To highlight challenges in translating metabolomic findings into clinical diagnostic tools.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of metabolomics studies in ovarian cancer.
- Analysis of metabolic signatures associated with ovarian cancer phenotypes.
- Evaluation of potential biological mechanisms underlying observed metabolic alterations.
Main Results:
- Metabolomics has identified distinct metabolic signatures indicative of ovarian cancer.
- Specific metabolic alterations show promise for improving early diagnosis.
- Significant challenges remain in the clinical translation of these biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- Metabolomics is a powerful tool for discovering new ovarian cancer biomarkers.
- Understanding metabolic alterations is crucial for early detection and diagnosis.
- Further research is needed to overcome barriers to clinical implementation.
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