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Updated: Sep 28, 2025

Resin-Assisted Capture Coupled with Isobaric Tandem Mass Tag Labeling for Multiplexed Quantification of Protein Thiol Oxidation
Published on: June 21, 2021
Transsulfuration, minor player or crucial for cysteine homeostasis in cancer
Hai-Feng Zhang1, Ramon I Klein Geltink2, Seth J Parker3
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Abstract:
Cysteine, a thiol-containing amino acid, is crucial for the synthesis of sulfur-containing biomolecules that control multiple essential cellular activities. Altered cysteine metabolism has been linked to numerous driver oncoproteins and tumor suppressors, as well as to malignant traits in cancer. Cysteine can be acquired from extracellular sources or synthesized de novo via the transsulfuration (TSS) pathway. Limited availability of cystine in tumor interstitial fluids raises the possible dependency on de novo cysteine synthesis via TSS. However, the contribution of TSS to cancer metabolism remains highly contentious. Based on recent findings, we provide new perspectives on this crucial but understudied metabolic pathway in cancer.
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