Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026
12:31
An Ex vivo Model to Study Hormone Action in the Human Breast
Published on: January 8, 2015
12.0K
Metabolic-Immuno-Hormonal Cross-talk in Breast Cancer: A UAE-Based Multi-Omics Perspective
Sarra B Shakartalla1,2, Sara Naif1,3, Hamza M Al-Hroub1
1Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Journal of Proteome Research
|February 12, 2026
Summary
This study identified key metabolic and proteomic biomarkers for breast cancer (BC) progression in the UAE. These findings suggest potential for earlier BC detection and personalized treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Proteomics
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer death for women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
- High BC mortality in the UAE is linked to delayed diagnosis.
- Identifying specific biomarkers is crucial for early detection and improved outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify metabolic and proteomic biomarkers associated with breast cancer (BC) progression in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) population.
- To explore stage-specific metabolic and proteomic signatures.
- To suggest candidate biomarkers for BC detection and personalized therapy.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples from 35 BC patients and 30 healthy controls (HC) from the UAE were analyzed using untargeted metabolomics and proteomics via LC-QTOF-MS.
- Multivariate statistical models (OPLS-DA, AUROC) were used to evaluate biomarker performance.
- Integrated pathway and structural motif analyses were performed to identify disease-stage-specific signatures.
Main Results:
- A distinct metabolic signature was identified, showing disruptions in amino acid (arginine), purine/pyrimidine, and steroid hormone metabolism.
- Key metabolites (l-arginine, hypoxanthine, uridine, vitamin D3, estradiol) exhibited stage-specific alterations, with eleven metabolites showing high diagnostic power (AUROC = 0.954).
- Structural motif analysis revealed a shift from polar metabolites in early-stage BC to lipophilic steroidal and lipid structures in late-stage disease. Proteomics indicated dysregulated immune and hormonal signaling.
Conclusions:
- This UAE-based study reveals distinct metabolic and structural features characterizing breast cancer progression.
- The identified biomarkers offer potential for improved BC detection and the development of personalized therapeutic strategies.
- The findings highlight the intricate cross-talk among metabolic, immune, and endocrine pathways in BC progression.
Related Concept Videos
02:13Types of Hormones
84.2K
Hormones can be classified into three main types based on their chemical structures: steroids, peptides, and amines. Their actions are mediated by the specific receptors they bind to on target cells.
84.2K
01:33Hormonal Regulation
36.2K
The renin-aldosterone system is an endocrine system which guides the renal absorption of water and electrolytes, thus managing blood pressure and osmoregulation. Activation of the system begins in the kidneys with a small cluster of cells adjacent to the afferent and efferent blood vessels of the renal corpuscle. As the nephrons are filtering blood, juxtaglomerular cells monitor blood pressure. If they detect a decrease in pressure, they release the hormone renin into the bloodstream.
36.2K
01:40Hormonal Regulation
48.3K
Hormones regulate a significant portion of digestion through activation of the neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system of digestion contains many different hormones all with multiple functions that are both, directly and indirectly, involved in digestion.
48.3K
01:56Plant Hormones
27.7K
Plant hormones—or phytohormones—are chemical molecules that modulate one or more physiological processes of a plant. In animals, hormones are often produced in specific glands and circulated via the circulatory system. However, plants lack hormone-producing glands.
27.7K
01:17Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
1.0K
Somnambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, involves individuals engaging in activities ranging from simple walking to more complex behaviors such as driving. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the slow-wave sleep stages 3 and 4 early in the night when the person is not dreaming, contradicting the myth that sleepwalkers are acting out their dreams.
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
1.0K
01:34Crossing Over
172.3K
Unlike mitosis, meiosis aims for genetic diversity in its creation of haploid gametes. Dividing germ cells first begin this process in prophase I, where each chromosome—replicated in S phase—is now composed of two sister chromatids (identical copies) joined centrally.
The homologous pairs of sister chromosomes—one from the maternal and one from the paternal genome—then begin to align alongside each other lengthwise, matching corresponding DNA positions in a process...
The homologous pairs of sister chromosomes—one from the maternal and one from the paternal genome—then begin to align alongside each other lengthwise, matching corresponding DNA positions in a process...
172.3K