Classification of cancer cell lines using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and statistical analysis

Abstract

Over the past decade, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been established as a valuable platform for microbial identification, and it is also frequently applied in biology and clinical studies to identify new markers expressed in pathological conditions. The aim of the present study was to assess the potential of using this approach for the classification of cancer cell lines as a quantifiable method for the proteomic profiling of cellular organelles. Intact protein extracts isolated from different tumor cell lines (human and murine) were analyzed using MALDI-TOF MS and the obtained mass lists were processed using principle component analysis (PCA) within Bruker Biotyper® software. Furthermore, reference spectra were created for each cell line and were used for classification. Based on the intact protein profiles, we were able to differentiate and classify six cancer cell lines: two murine melanoma (B16-F0 and B164A5), one human melanoma (A375), two human breast carcinoma (MCF7 and MDA-MB-231) and one human liver carcinoma (HepG2). The cell lines were classified according to cancer type and the species they originated from, as well as by their metastatic potential, offering the possibility to differentiate non-invasive from invasive cells. The obtained results pave the way for developing a broad-based strategy for the identification and classification of cancer cells.

Rapid Proteomic Profiling by MALDI‐TOF Mass Spectrometry for Better Brain Tumor Classification

“…We can also mention a recent article by Serafim proposing a classification of cancer cell lines using MALDI‐TOF. [ 22 ] In this work, only three human cell lines from different tissue (skin, liver, and breast) were analyzed. In our study, we used 22 cell lines including 15 human cell lines to expand the scope of the technique and test its robustness.…”

“…used MALDI‐TOF MS analysis for profiling four human cancer cell lines, paving the way to the development of this technology for the classification of cancer cells. [ 22 ] In the present study, MALDI‐TOF MS analysis was applied to the characterization of 15 human cell lines including 5 different glioblastomas. Spectrum‐based phylogenetic analysis showed that clustering was driven by taxonomy, tissue type, and organ.…”

Peptide barcodes in dogs affected by mitral valve disease with and without pulmonary hypertension using MALDI-TOF MS and LC-MS/MS

“…In another study, MALDI-TOF MS was used to create a peptide profile reference for the classification of various cancer cell lines, such as human melanoma, human breast carcinoma and human liver carcinoma cell lines. The results revealed different peptide barcodes in each cancer cell line that could be used to identify cancer types in patients clinically [ 39 ]. In veterinary medicine, peptide barcodes have also been demonstrated to be used for classifying different types of canine oral tumors using tumor tissue samples [ 29 ] and salivary samples [ 30 ].…”

Ethinylestradiol and Levonorgestrel as Active Agents in Normal Skin, and Pathological Conditions Induced by UVB Exposure: In Vitro and In Ovo Assessments

“…The differences regarding the behavior of A375 and B164A5 melanoma cells after UVB radiation could be attributed to the biological features of each cell line, in terms of: (i) origin: A375—human melanoma cells and B164A5—murine melanoma cells; (ii) morphology: A375 cells present an epithelial morphology and a reduced capacity to determine metastasis, whereas B164A5 cells have a fibroblastic-like morphology and are highly invasive/metastatic, and (iii) melanin content: A375 cells are devoid of melanin while B164A5 cells are melanin-producing cells [ 62 ].…”