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Modified nucleosides in body fluids of tumor-bearing patients
Abstract:
The catabolism of nucleic acids, particularly tRNA, produces a variety of modified nucleosides which are not reutilized by mammalian cells. Investigation of these compounds in body fluids, mainly urine, has recently provided evidence of altered metabolic situations in tumor-bearing patients. The factors involved in the alterations of modified nucleosides formation are connected with altered tRNA-modifying enzymes and/or altered turnover of subpopulations of tRNA. A common pattern in tumor cells or tissues is the presence of isoaccepting tRNA species containing aberrant nucleoside modifications. Several modified nucleosides have been detected and quantitated by HPLC analysis of the urine of normal subjects and cancer patients. Results obtained, in the authors' laboratory, among others, indicate a possible correlation between urinary excretion of these compounds and the course of the disease, with implications for the follow-up of therapeutic treatment. Particular reference should be made to psi, which appears to be a suitable marker for monitoring these subjects. The data from the authors' laboratory also show that the analysis of modified nucleosides in blood may be considered a useful tool in the search for proper markers associated with the cancer status. In this respect psi is suggested as a biochemical indicator for cancer patients.
Insights
Modified nucleosides from nucleic acid breakdown, like pseudouridine (psi), are not reused by cells. Their levels in urine and blood may indicate cancer progression and aid in monitoring treatment effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Nucleic acid catabolism, especially tRNA, generates modified nucleosides.
- Mammalian cells do not re-utilize these modified nucleosides.
- Altered levels of modified nucleosides in body fluids suggest metabolic changes in cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of modified nucleosides as biomarkers for cancer.
- To explore the correlation between urinary modified nucleosides and disease progression.
- To assess the utility of blood analysis for cancer-related markers.
Main Methods:
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to detect and quantify modified nucleosides.
- Urine and blood samples from normal subjects and cancer patients were analyzed.
- Specific focus on pseudouridine (psi) as a potential marker.
Main Results:
- Modified nucleosides, including aberrant ones in tRNA, are found in tumor cells.
- Urinary excretion levels of modified nucleosides may correlate with disease course.
- Pseudouridine (psi) shows promise as a monitoring marker for cancer patients.
- Blood analysis of modified nucleosides is a potential tool for cancer status assessment.
Conclusions:
- Modified nucleosides in body fluids can reflect altered metabolic states in cancer.
- Urinary and blood levels of modified nucleosides, particularly psi, can serve as valuable biochemical indicators for cancer detection and monitoring.
- These findings have implications for therapeutic treatment follow-up.