A molecular signature of lung cancer: potential biomarkers for adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), sub-types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), both present unique features at the genome, epigenome, transcriptome and proteome levels, as well as shared clinical and histopathological characteristics, but differ in terms of treatment. To ensure proper treatment, one must be able to distinguish between these sub-types. Here, we identify novel biomarker proteins in NSCLC, allowing for distinguishing between the AC and SCC sub-types. Proteomics analysis distinguished between healthy and tumor tissues, with the expression level of 1,494 proteins being altered, 378 of which showed a ≥|100|-fold change. Enrichment of proteins related to protein synthesis and degradation, and of proteins associated with mitochondria, metabolism, and apoptosis, was found. Network analysis defined groups of proteins, such as those associated with cell metabolic processes or with fatty acid/lipid metabolism and transport. Several biomarkers that enable for distinguishing between AC and SCC were identified here for the first time, and together with previous reports confirmed here, led us to propose a list of proteins differentially expressed in SCC and AC. Some of these biomarkers are clear signatures for AC or SCC and four of them are secreted proteins. The presence of the mitochondrial protein SMAC/Diablo in the nucleus was found to be a signature for SCC. Precise diagnosis of AC and SCC is essential for selecting appropriate treatment and thus, increasing patient life expectancy. Finally, the search for drugs that target some of these biomarkers may lead to new treatments for lung cancer.

PIK3CA mutations as prognostic factor in squamous cell lung carcinoma

“…Histological differences between AC and SCC aid in correctly identifying and diagnosing the NSCLC type. AC is often mucous-producing and can be identified by its glandular growth pattern and by its biomarkers thyroid transcription factor 1 and napsin A. SCC is characterised by its keratin structures and by its biomarker p63 or p40 (Shoshan-Barmatz et al, 2017).…”

Identification of a 5-Gene Metabolic Signature for Predicting Prognosis Based on an Integrated Analysis of Tumor Microenvironment in Lung Adenocarcinoma

“…In the background of TME, the disorder of tumor metabolism could deeply influence the multiple functions of malignant cancer cells [9]. Previous reports have identified metabolic signatures for prognostic prediction based on multiomics analyses in lung cancer [10][11][12]. However, the TME is a complex interaction network, and the integrated research on the roles of metabolic signatures in TME is still lacking.…”

Immunotherapy and molecular role of T-cell in PD-1 antibody treated resectable lung cancer patients

“…The pathological response by H&E staining was done in 9 out of 20 patients. The histological analysis of the tumors isolated from 3 patients out of 9 revealed 100% pathological response that was accompanied with no invasion of cell boundaries, no anaplasia, and no sign of mitotic nucleus as compared to nivolumab untreated tumor biopsy (16,17). To further evaluate the effect of nivolumab in patients multiplex immunofluorescence analyses were performed in tumor biopsy samples to ascertain the role of PD-L1, PD-1, tumor-associated CD68+ macrophages, FoxP3+ regulatory T cells, and CD8+ T cells.…”