Journal of Proteomics & Bioinformatics
Open Access
ISSN: 0974-276X
+44 1223 790975
ISSN: 0974-276X
+44 1223 790975
Varda Shoshan Barmatz
NIBN- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Proteomics Bioinform
Cancer cells undergo re-programing of metabolism, cell survival and anti-apoptotic defenses, with the proteins mediating these re-programing representing potential biomarkers. Here, using specific antibodies, mass spectrometry and bioinformatics tools; we searched for novel biomarker proteins in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient samples that can impact diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. By comparing protein expression profiles of CLL- and healthy donorderived lymphocytes, we identified 1,360 differentially expressed proteins, some shown for the first time to be associated CLL. Downregulated expression of two proteins resulted in cell growth inhibition, pointing to their essential functions. Based on changes in the levels of several proteins in CLL patients, we could distinguish between patients in a stable disease state and those who would be later subjected to anti-cancer treatments, 2-3 years before the physicianâ�?�?s decision. In NSCLC, the adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), sub-types present unique genomes, transcriptomes, and proteomes, and share clinical and histopathological characteristics, yet differ in treatment. We identified novel biomarker proteins in NSCLC, with 378 proteins showing a â�?¥|100|-fold change in level. Several, identified for the first time, allow for distinguishing between AC and SCC. These, together with markers previously proposed and confirmed here, lead us to propose a list of proteins for discriminating SCC and AC, with four being secreted. Precise diagnosis of AC and SCC is essential for selecting appropriate treatment. Finally, some of these biomarkers can serve as new targets and lead to new treatments for lung and CLL cancers.
Varda Shoshan Barmatz is the Hyman-Kreitman Chair in Bioenergetics at Ben-Gurion University (BGU). Her PhD is from the Weizmann Institute; Post-doctoral training was from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Toronto. In 1982, she joined the Department of Life Sciences, BGU, and served as Chair (2000-2004). Her awards include the Hestrin Prize of the Israel Biochemistry Society, Teva Award for Young Scientists (1993) and Teva Founders Award (2016). Lady Globes magazine selected her as one of the 50 most influential women in Israel (2009) and one of five who made breakthroughs in science (2016). She was the Founder and Director (2006-2015) of the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev.