Proteome and phosphoproteome profiling of non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549 treated with TRAIL

Yi Zhong1, Fen Yang1, Tao Su1

  • 1Proteomics-Metabolomics Platform of Core Facilities, Key Lab of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, MOH, Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

Proteomics
|October 12, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) treatment significantly alters protein and phosphosite expression in lung cancer cells. This proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis reveals key pathways involved in apoptosis and identifies AKT1 as a crucial kinase in TRAIL signaling.

Area of Science:

  • Proteomics and phosphoproteomics
  • Cancer biology
  • Molecular signaling pathways

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) shows therapeutic potential against cancer.
  • The precise mechanisms of TRAIL's action on protein expression, signal transduction, and apoptosis remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically analyze the proteome and phosphoproteome in response to TRAIL signaling in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying TRAIL-induced apoptosis and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

  • Proteomic and phosphoproteomic profiling of A549 NSCLC cells treated with TRAIL.
  • Differential expression analysis of proteins and phosphosites.
  • Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses.
  • Identification of key kinases and their substrates in TRAIL signaling.

Main Results:

  • Significant differential expression of 126 proteins and 1684 phosphosites upon TRAIL treatment.
  • Inconsistent expression patterns observed between protein and phosphosite levels.
  • TRAIL treatment notably impacts metal ion (zinc) binding.
  • Apoptosis-related pathways were predominantly enriched among differentially expressed phosphosites.
  • The kinase AKT1 and its substrates were identified as key players in TRAIL signaling.

Conclusions:

  • Proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses provide insights into TRAIL signaling mechanisms in NSCLC.
  • The findings highlight the role of AKT1 and zinc binding in TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.
  • This study offers guidance for developing TRAIL-based cancer therapeutics.

Related Concept Videos