Proteomics and metabolomics applications in cancer biology

Abstract

Methodologies for proteomics and metabolomics are providing an unprecedented wealth of insights into cancer molecular biology. Although different techniques for proteomics and metabolomics exist, molecular snapshots in cancer metabolism and alterations in the proteome are mainly possible due to advancements in state-of-the-art mass spectrometry technologies. In this chapter, we describe examples of how proteo-metabolomic approaches are contributing to our understanding of the molecular biology of cancer progression, signalling, survival mechanisms, angiogenesis, and metastasis. We also provide an overview of the translational information (including biomarkers) and clinically relevant insights that proteomics and metabolomics strategies may be able to deliver, despite limitations and technical challenges that still exist. A better understanding of cancer progression and an improvement of clinical outcomes will benefit from precision medicine initiatives, in which appropriate application of proteo-metabolomic methods are key for their success.