Mass Spectrometry-Based Workflow for the Identification and Quantification of Alternative and Canonical Proteins in Pancreatic Cancer Cells.

The identification of small proteins and proteins produced from unannotated open reading frames (called alternative proteins or AltProts) has changed our vision of the proteome and has attracted more and more attention from the scientific community. Despite several studies investigating particular AltProts in diseases and demonstrating their importance in such context, we are still missing data on their expression and functions in many pathologies. Among these, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a particularly relevant case to study alternative proteins.

Targeting eIF4G1-dependent translation in melanoma.

Elevated expression of components of eIF4F translation initiation complex has been documented in cancer, resulting in enhanced translation of mRNAs encoding pro-tumorigenic factors, including oncogenic proteins. We previously identified SBI-756, a small molecule that interferes with the eIF4F assembly and overcomes melanoma resistance to BRAF inhibitors. SBI-756 enhanced anti-tumor immunity in pancreatic cancer and was effective in the treatment of diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Proteomic assessment of SKBR3/HER2+ breast cancer cellular response to Lapatinib and investigational Ipatasertib kinase inhibitors.

Introduction: Modern cancer treatment strategies aim at achieving cancer remission by using targeted and personalized therapies, as well as harnessing the power of the immune system to recognize and eradicate the cancer cells. To overcome a relatively short-lived response due to resistance to the administered drugs, combination therapies have been pursued.

Objective: The objective of this study was to use high-throughput data generation technologies such as mass spectrometry and proteomics to investigate the broader implications, and to expand the outlook, of such therapeutic approaches.

Proteomic insights into breast cancer response to brain cell-secreted factors.

The most devastating feature of cancer cells is their ability to metastasize to distant sites in the body. HER2 + and TN breast cancers frequently metastasize to the brain and stay potentially dormant for years until favorable conditions support their proliferation. The sheltered and delicate nature of the brain prevents, however, early disease detection and effective delivery of therapeutic drugs.

Dysfunctional natural killer cells can be reprogrammed to regain anti-tumor activity.

Natural killer (NK) cells are critical to the innate immune system, as they recognize antigens without prior sensitization, and contribute to the control and clearance of viral infections and cancer. However, a significant proportion of NK cells in mice and humans do not express classical inhibitory receptors during their education process and are rendered naturally "anergic", i.e.