Background: The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) promotes cell signaling and morphology alterations, contributing to cancer progression. Exosomes, extracellular vesicles containing proteins involved in cell-cell communication, have emerged as a potential source of biomarkers for several diseases.
Methods: Our aim was to assess the proteome content of exosomes secreted after EMT-induction to identify potential biomarkers for ovarian cancer classification.
Despite all the advances in understanding the mechanisms involved in ovarian cancer (OC) development, many aspects still need to be unraveled and understood. Tumor markers (TMs) are of special interest in this disease. Some aspects of clinical management of OC might be improved by the use of validated TMs, such as differentiating subtypes, defining the most appropriate treatment, monitoring the course of the disease, or predicting clinical outcome.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Proteomics
January 2017
Unlabelled: Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a well-orchestrated process that culminates with loss of epithelial phenotype and gain of a mesenchymal and migratory phenotype. EMT enhances cancer cell invasiveness and drug resistance, favoring metastasis. Dysregulation of transcription factors, signaling pathways, miRNAs and growth factors including EGF, TGF-beta and HGF can trigger EMT.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUnlabelled: Tumor fluid samples have emerged as a rich source for the identification of ovarian cancer in the context of proteomics studies. To uncover differences among benign and malignant ovarian samples, we performed a quantitative proteomic study consisting of albumin immunodepletion, isotope labeling with acrylamide and in-depth proteomic profiling by LC-MS/MS in a pool of 10 samples of each histological type. 1135 proteins were identified, corresponding to 505 gene products.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEpithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)(1) occurs naturally during embryogenesis, tissue repair, cancer progression, and metastasis. EMT induces cellular and microenvironmental changes resulting in loss of epithelial and acquisition of mesenchymal phenotypes, which promotes cellular invasive and migratory capabilities. EMT can be triggered by extracellular factors, including TGF-β, HGF, and EGF.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF