Proteomics signatures of human breast cancer: A systematic review

Proteomics can play an important role in advancing the discovery of cancer biomarkers. We aimed to synthesize current evidence concerning proteome signatures and molecular pathways involved in human breast cancer (BC).

A search was conducted to identify studies reporting large-scale proteome differences between samples from patients with BC and cancer-free controls or between tumor tissue and cancer-free tissue. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database was used to create a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and perform functional enrichment analysis.

A total of 15 studies were included in this review. The STRING database was used to create a global PPI network including 442 proteins (identified in ≥2 studies in tissue type) that were significantly enriched in 37 molecular pathways (false discovery rate <0.05). In addition, two additional PPI networks were created based on tissue type, with 29 molecular pathways identified in breast tissue samples and 12 in biological fluids. Among all identified pathways, 28 - related to cancer hallmarks and associated processes - were selected for discussion and described.

Our review provides a comprehensive overview of the proteomic profile of patients with BC and may contribute to the understanding of the molecular changes associated with this disease. We highlighted hundreds of proteins, and various molecular pathways involved in BC, which could be considered potential biomarkers involved in the pathophysiology of the disease. Our results may also pave the way for new avenues to explore treatment targets.