Similarities in Blood Mononuclear Cell Membrane Phospholipid Profiles during Malignancy

Abstract

Phospholipids (PLs), key elements of cellular membranes, are regulated reciprocally with membrane proteins and can act as sensors for alterations in physiological or pathological states of cells including initiation and development of cancer. On the other hand, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) play an important role in antitumor immune response by reacting to cancerous modifications in distant organs. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that tumor initiation and development are reflected in the alteration pattern of the MNC PL component. We analyzed MNC membrane PL fractions in samples from healthy individuals and from patients with diverse types of cancers to reveal possible alterations induced by malignancy. Compared to healthy controls, the cancer samples demonstrated shifts in several membrane PL profiles. In particular, when analyzing cancer data pooled together, there were significantly higher levels in lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylethanolamine fractions, and significantly lower quantities in phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidic acid fractions in cancer samples compared to controls. The levels of sphingomyelins and diphosphatidylglycerols were relatively unaffected. Most of the differences in PLs were sustained during the analysis of individual cancers such as breast cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Our findings suggest the presence of a common pattern of changes in MNC PLs during malignancy.

Lipidomic landscape in cancer: Actionable insights for membrane‐based therapy and diagnoses

“…Membrane phospholipid profiles of blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) have also been explored as a novel cancer diagnostic avenue 122 . However, large sample size is required for MNC‐based phospholipid biomarkers, hindering early detection and evaluation efforts and re‐enforcing the use of FA‐based lipidomic analysis of RBC membranes.…”

“…Membrane phospholipid profiles of blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) have also been explored as a novel cancer diagnostic avenue. 122 However, large sample size is required for MNC-based phospholipid biomarkers, hindering early detection and evaluation efforts and re-enforcing the use of FA-based lipidomic analysis of RBC membranes. In contrast to the minimally invasive blood analysis, lipidomic analysis of noninvasive urinary and stool samples of cancer patients provide excellent diagnostic alternatives.…”

Phosphatidylserine and Tyro3‐Axl‐Mertk Receptor Tyrosine Kinase level detection in plasma and on plasma‐derived extracellular vesicle surface in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

“…There are two published articles about PS levels in plasma in CLL. 31,32 Besides, there are no studies about PS levels on the surface of the EVs in CLL.…”

“…On the other hand, there are many preclinical and clinical studies showing the use of PS as a target molecule in destroying cancer cells in various solid tumors 9 However, studies on this molecule in hematological cancers are limited. There are two published articles about PS levels in plasma in CLL 31,32 . Besides, there are no studies about PS levels on the surface of the EVs in CLL.…”