Mass spectrometry-based proteomics in glioblastoma - current understanding and future impact

Neoplasia represents an interplay between multiple complex biological systems with numerous tumor tissue-linked biomarkers contributing as modulators of tumorigenesis. Several bio-signaling pathways and processes undergo remodeling consequent to multiple mutations and alterations. In particular, cellular or molecular biomarkers, including DNA, messenger RNAs(mRNAs), microRNAs(miRNAs), and proteins, coupled with alterations in genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic profiles, are good potential candidates for acting as biomarkers throughout the natural history of cancer response to therapy. In the era of personalized cancer therapy, one of the critical challenges in the evolution of novel therapeutics is identifying unique and specific biomarkers. Proteomics has the potential to identify and categorize unforeseen or unidentified mutational biomarkers that can be useful in advancing effective therapeutic strategies. Besides various analysis techniques, mass spectrometry is one of the most efficient technologies utilized in this field. In this review, we discuss fundamental and nuanced aspects of mass spectrometry in the identification and characterization of the proteomic landscape of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) and suggest the use of this data as a surrogate biomarker to not only understand gliomagenesis but also to reprogram anti-glioma therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes. Furthermore, the review also elaborates on applying mass-spectrometric-based proteomics in translational studies with the aim of full integration into interventional clinical trials.