Current Methods for Identifying Plasma Membrane Proteins as Cancer Biomarkers

Abstract

Plasma membrane proteins are a special class of biomolecules present on the cellular membrane. They provide the transport of ions, small molecules, and water in response to internal and external signals, define a cell’s immunological identity, and facilitate intra- and intercellular communication. Since they are vital to almost all cellular functions, their mutants, or aberrant expression is linked to many diseases, including cancer, where they are a part of cancer cell-specific molecular signatures and phenotypes. In addition, their surface-exposed domains make them exciting biomarkers for targeting by imaging agents and drugs. This review looks at the challenges in identifying cancer-related cell membrane proteins and the current methodologies that solve most of the challenges. We classified the methodologies as biased, i.e., search cells for the presence of already known membrane proteins. Second, we discuss the unbiased methods that can identify proteins without prior knowledge of what they are. Finally, we discuss the potential impact of membrane proteins on the early detection and treatment of cancer.

Pyridinium-Based Strategy for a Bioorthogonal Conjugation-Assisted Purification Method for Profiling Cell Surface Proteome

“…Therefore, conducting a comprehensive analysis of CSPs for targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and vaccine development . Surface proteome studies are crucial for understanding the diversity and function of cell surface proteins. − Recent studies have utilized advanced techniques to identify and quantify cell surface proteins in different cell types, including immune and cancer cells . These studies have significant implications for targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and vaccine development .…”

Joint Hypermobility Syndrome and Membrane Proteins: A Comprehensive Review

“…Owing to their distinctive characteristics, membrane proteins exhibit significant potential as biomarkers. Numerous studies [35,36] emphasize the critical role of proteome profiling of membrane proteins as a diagnostic tool. These investigations underscore the importance of discerning the proteomic landscape of membrane proteins for diagnostic purposes.…”

Computational Characterization of Membrane Proteins as Anticancer Targets: Current Challenges and Opportunities

“…The etiology of this multifaceted disease often involves aberrant functionality in specific proteins, resulting in increased cellular proliferation and a decrease in standard checkpoints [2]. Notably, membrane proteins have emerged as central players in the development of the most prevalent cancer types [3][4][5]. Unfortunately, their study presents additional challenges compared to their soluble counterparts, as has been extensively reviewed [5][6][7].…”

“…Notably, membrane proteins have emerged as central players in the development of the most prevalent cancer types [3][4][5]. Unfortunately, their study presents additional challenges compared to their soluble counterparts, as has been extensively reviewed [5][6][7]. On the bright side, the rise of computational methodologies applied to drug discovery in recent decades has provided researchers with a new set of tools to study these protein classes [4,8].…”

“…Computational drug discovery pipelines can ease some experimental challenges in membrane protein research, but they face their own issues, mainly stemming from limited data availability due to experimental difficulties [5,8,10]. Different membrane protein families have varying degrees of experimental investigation, particularly in the context of cancer, which together with differences in structural and functional characteristics leads to family-specific challenges.…”