Proteome profiling of low grade serous ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the fifth cause of death among other cancers in American women [1]. In Iran, it is the eighth common cancer [2].

Epithelial cell tumors are the most common type of ovarian cancer, which are responsible for 90% of women’s ovarian and 1/4 genital malignancies. Epithelial ovarian cancer had various types including serous (the most common, 50% of all ovarian cancers), mucinous (15–20%), endometriosis (25–10%), clear cell (10.5%), undifferentiated (5%) and Brenner (5%). Serous cancer is usually moderate and diagnosed at lower ages and stage with a better prognosis [3].

Furthermore, serous carcinoma has the highest occurrence and mortality comprising90% of all deaths due to ovarian cancer. However, its origin and rapid progression are poorly understood [4, 5].

Frequently the lack of reliable clinical tests and the latent stages of the disease worsen most cases of ovarian cancer (68%), more than 95% of serous who are diagnosed with poor survival chance and metastatic condition [6‐8]. According to reports, women diagnosed with low grade ovarian cancer have a 5-year survival rate of approximately 80–90%, but this decreases significantly to 20–30% in late-stage diagnoses [7‐9]. Despite of all advances in screenings and available therapies, none of the existing screening methods facilitate prompt diagnosis and confirmation of the ovarian cancer [10] while apparently early diagnosis is a critical factor in reducing the mortalities due to ovarian cancer [11].

Based on Staging defined by the FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) system, low-grade disease including (stage I and II) describes a tumor that is localized in its original site, with no spread to lymph nodes or other body areas. The low-grade disease has the chance of a cure if the malignancy can be surgically removed successfully [12].

Many researchers have considered using CA-125 as a biomarker for early diagnosis [13, 14]. However, CA-125 is most of the times falsely negative infertile women with serous ovarian cancer and in Low grade serous ovarian cancer and CA-125 is positive in benign diseases. Thus, it is not sensitive enough for usage in general screening [15, 16].

Recent technologies have made performing complicated studies easier in order to specify the subtypes of serous ovarian cancer using genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic [17]. Specifically, proteomic profiling of serous ovarian cancer has mainly revolved around the analysis of serous ovarian cancer cell lines, tissues, and proximal fluids, urines and cyst fluid by using mass spectrometry (MS) [18‐20]. Recently, the so-called, mass-spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics is the common strategy in identifying the proteins and their alterations [21, 22].

This study reports on proteomics profiling study of Low grade serous ovarian cancer by using integrate interactome (protein-protein interaction (PPI)) and (MS) data to construct and analyze PPI networks for Low grade serous ovarian cancer from controls with 100% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity possible through panel markers.

As all previous studies have considered metastasis or high stage ovarian cancer, this study has dedicated its focus on low grade ovarian serous.

All chemicals used in this study were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA) with exceptions noted. Criterion precast polyacrylamide gels, TGS and XT MES electrophoresis running buffers, Ready Strip™ IPG strips, mineral oil, dithiothreitol (DTT), iodoacetamide (IA), Biolytic, and urea were purchased from Bio-RAD.

After ovarian tissue extraction, proteome profile of low-grade serous ovarian cancer was determined and analyzed by using Prognosis Same Spots software. The results showed that spots had a statistically significant variation with relative abundance (p < 0.05). As is shown in the Fig. 1, among 212 proteins 41 differentially changed expression protein (FC > 2) were identified. Among 41 spots 18 top changed expression spots were investigated by MS, and the final determined proteins are tabulated in Table 1. The 10 significant differentially expressed proteins were imported in the string, and the constructed network including 1138 nodes and 1449 edges (the network is not shown) was analyzed. The hubs, bottlenecks, and hub-bottlenecks were represented in the Tables 2, 3 and 4. For more resolution, the hub and bottleneck nodes were included in a sub-network (see Fig. 2). The finding indicates that 6 Hub-bottlenecks proteins including Transgelin (TAGLN), Keratin (KRT14), Single peptide match to actin cytoplasmic 1(ACTB), apolipoprotein A-I (APOA1), Peroxiredoxin-2 (PRDX2), and Haptoglobin (HP) (see Table 5) are query proteins which were identified by MS analysis.

Gene ontology analysis counting biological processes, molecular function, and cellular component via Clupedia/CluGO were applied for the six common proteins in the central nodes and the significant differentially expressed proteins (see Figs. 3, 4 and 5).

Pathogenesis of serous ovarian cancer was studied by the proteomic approach to identify the alteration in gene expression between normal and low-grade cancer tissues [27]. So far, not many approaches have been devised to identify the specific differential protein expression between primary and recurrent serous in tissues of these patients [28]. For example, using quantitative proteomics via ICAT, Pan et al. compared the expression between a chemosensitive and a chemoresistant tissue [29]. Another study used paired primary and recurrent post-chemotherapy samples from high-grade serous ovarian cancer patients to identify numerous proteins elevated in recurrent tissues [30].

In our study, we found 18 proteins with different expression compared to normal and low grade of cancer tissue, which is represented in Fig. 1. There is just one study, which reported 18 metabolites differentiated in Low gradetumors in comparison to control mice, which were performed by Jones Cm et al. [11].

We constructed PPI networks of abnormally expressed proteins in the paired low garde tumor by integrating interactome and mass spectrometry data. Based on proteins which had identified by MALDI-TOF and QQPPI networks analysis, we found 6 Hub-bottlenecks proteins with significant centrality values, based on centrality parameters of the network (degree and betweenness), such as Transgelin (TAGLN), Keratin (KRT14), Single peptide match to actin, cytoplasmic 1(ACTB), apolipoprotein A-I (APOA1), Peroxiredoxin-2 (PRDX2), and Haptoglobin (HP) (Table 5).

All detected proteins in our study play an important role throughout the network because of that they all act as hubs. Transgelin is the protein according to Table 5 as the important protein in the network and overexpressed in cancer cells. Mohamed El Ayed has found Transgelin in ovarian cancer proteome [31], Zhou et al. have studied the mechanism of Transgelin in colorectal cancer, which has low endogenous levels, led to increased invasiveness, growth at low density [32]. In other human cancers such as lung adenocarcinoma, the expression of transgelin-2 has been reported. This protein has been proposed to be related to the increase in migratory and invasive abilities [33] and repressing genes involved in tumor progression [34]. In addition, several investigations have shown that Transgelin in normal and cancer cells directly interact with the actin, and alter the motility of the cells [35‐38].

Keratin, has been identifies as the most commonly used marker to identify tumor cells from carcinomas and as standard detection marker for disseminated tumor cells and circulating tumor cells [39]. Cytoskeleton has a vital role in disseminated tumor cells and circulating tumor cells [40]. Keratin is one of the candidate proteins that signal the cytoskeleton [41, 42]. El Ayed reported keratin’s increasing expression in ovarian cancer [31], such as Keshamouni through analysis of human lung adenocarcinoma cell line [33]. In another study, Joosse and et al. after reviewing keratin expression during metastatic progression of breast cancer found primary breast carcinomas changes in keratin expression during metastatic progression to the lymph nodes [43].

Cytoplasmic 1 is the next protein that previously was reported by Toyama’s study on ovarian cancers [44, 45]. One study on 13 prostate cancer specimens reported cytoplasmic expression [46]. In another study on human lung adenocarcinoma cell line, this differentiation was accompanied by the modification in the expression of several cytoskeleton proteins such as cytoplasmic [33].

We identified Apolipoprotein A-I increasing expressed proteins in Low grade serous ovarian cancer such as Kristjansdottir’s study [21]. In another study about protein expression patterns associated with advanced stage ovarian cancer by Cortes, Apolipoprotein A-I was identified by their proteomic screening, which had increased expression in ovarian cancer samples [47, 48], and they suggested that protein suitable for further investigation [49]. Similarly, apolipoprotein A1 has been detected in conjunction with transthyretin and transferrin in low grade mucinous tumors [50]. ApoA-I candiminish the expression of surface molecules such as CD1a, CD80, CD86, and HLA-DR in dendritic cells, and it stimulates the production of IL -10 [51].

Furthermore, we had an increase in the expression of Ig gamma-1 chain C region in Low grade serousovarian cancer such as Cortesi study [48].

We reported peroxiredoxin-2 increasing expressions such as Kristjansdottir [21], Cortesi study [48] and Atsuhiko et al. on subtypes of ovarian carcinoma [20]. Moreover, high levels of antioxidative enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase3, peroxiredoxin-2, peroxiredoxin-6, and superoxide dismutase, It may be responsible for resistance to apoptosis caused by oxidative stress or chemotherapy [52, 53].

One protein identified in our study was haptoglobin-1 similar to Ahmed et al. on serum of ovarian cancer patients [54]. Cortesi identified two spots by a single peptide as haptoglobin-related protein [48]. The haptoglobin is one of the richest glycoproteins secreted by the liver [55], it is reasonable to hypothesize that enhanced hepatic synthesis of the protein will occur due to an acute phase response in ovarian cancer patients resulting in elevated serum haptoglobin precursor concentration [56]. On the other hand, Haptoglobin level was shown to be affected by the amount of tumor burden and was not dependent on the histologic type or grade of ovarian malignancy [57].

On the other hand, six of the above-mentioned proteins have been identified at high grade and metastatic of serous ovarian cancer. Biton and et al. in study on high grade Bladder Tumor Transcriptome and serous ovarian cancer, characterized the luminal and basal-like subtypes of muscle-invasive bladder cancers according to the components (such as transgelin) which showed luminal tumors had lost morphological differentiation [58]. Several studies have investigated the expression of keratin in high grade ovarian cancer [59, 60]. Capo-chichi and etal in study on Overexpression and cytoplasmic localization of caspase-6 showed that it is associated with lamin A degradation in set of high grade ovarian cancers showed that it may be involved in lamin A degradation and deficiency observed in some ovarian cancer cells [61].

Many studies have reported that Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoAI) levels have been increased in early grade ovarian serous carcinoma patients [62]. Braiacu showed that several lipids (such as Apolipoprotein A) had progressive alterations in high-grade ovarian serous cancer patients with more advanced disease and poorer overall survival [63]. Elevated expression of PRDX3, PRDX5, and PRDX6 mRNAs showed poorer overall survival (OS); PRDX5 and PRDX6 also predicted poor progression-free survival (PFS) for ovarian cancer patients. Furthermore, PRDX3 played significant prognostic roles, particularly in poor differentiation and late-stage serous ovarian cancer patients [64].

In a study by Mahyuddin and etal, they demonstrated the presence of haptoglobin in ovarian cyst fluid of benign, borderline and malignant epithelial ovarian cancer. The concentration of haptoglobin was significantly raised in ES and LS-EOC compared with benign tumours. They also observed raised haptoglobin concentrations in ovarian cyst fluid of low-volume high-grade ovarian serous cancer [65].

Pathways of hub neighbors were obtained from the QUICK GO (a web-based tool that allows secure browsing of the gene ontology) [66, 67], according to STRING database information (Figs. 3, 4 and 5), related proteins of 6 bottleneck have been predicted.

On the biological process category of gene ontology analysis, we found telomere assembly as a significant factor in low-grade serous ovarian cancer. Telomeres play an important role in controlling the cell proliferation capacity [68, 69]. According to the Gray’s Study result is on ovarian cancer, Both transcriptional regulation of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase gene and alternative splicing of human telomerase reverse transcriptase transcripts can modulate the assembly of an active enzyme [70].

Cellular response to nitrogen starvation is another pathway that we found like Yoshihiro in ovarian cancer [71]. The mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway promotes cell growth in response to many cues. GATOR1 has GTPase-activating protein (GAP) activity for RagA and RagB, and its components are mutated in human cancer. In cancer cells with inactivating mutations in GATOR1, mTORC1 is hyperactive and insensitive to nitrogen starvation [72].

A key molecule that is produced due to a change in cancer metabolism reduces Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH), which functions as a cofactor and provides reducing power in many enzymatic reactions that are crucial for macromolecular biosynthesis [73].NADH is also an antioxidant and forms part of the defense against reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are produced during rapid proliferation [74]. High levels of ROS can cause damage to macromolecules, which can induce senescence and apoptosis [75].

In our study, platelet degranulation plays an essential role in the biological process category of gene ontology analysis. Extensive experimental evidence shows that platelets support tumor metastasis [76]. Platelet activation and coagulation system play an important role in cancer progression [77].

According to the biological process category of gene ontology analysis, retina homeostasis may play a critical role in low-grade serous ovarian cancer. A breakthrough in Kessler’s study, understanding of the molecular biology of ovarian cancer may depend on gaining a deeper insight into retina homeostasis [78].

The biological processes are relevant by acute phase in tumor cells. The host response comprises a cascade of inflammatory signals that can be triggered by small inciting events, e.g., localized infection or a small tumor, and that leads to up- and down-regulation of a group of circulating proteins often called acute phase reactants [79]. Acute phase response in ovarian cancer earliest stages [80].

Iron is the most common metal in the human body. Epidemiological studies show that asbestos transition metal that catalyzes free radical generation is more carcinogenic [81].

Molecular function analysis showed that GABA receptor binding, peptidase activator, Protease binding are the involved function in low-grade serous ovarian cancer.

GABA receptor binding in human cancers may play a critical role in low-grade serous ovarian cancer.

MiR-224 is deregulated expression in various cancers, including cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and lung adenocarcinoma [82].MiR-224 is located in the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a receptor epsilon gene (GABRE) [83], and its expression is directly activated by E2F1through transactivation of the GABRE gene [84].P53 and p65 bind with miR-224 host gene and inactivate the GABAA receptor ε subunit promoter in ovarian cancer [85].

Proteolytic enzymes such as peptidase have been implicated in the progression of various human malignancies, including ovarian cancer. Possibility for the role of peptidase activity in the tumor may initiate or terminate some biological events [86]. Thus, the importance of enhanced peptidase activity for malignant growth could originate from its possible regulatory role in RAS [87]. Simaga and et al. in their study on assessing the activity of peptidase activator in ovarian tissue, found that progression from benign into malignant transformation in ovarian tissue is accompanied with up-regulation of this proteolytic enzyme Such as our study [88].

Protease binding was one of the functions found inprotein-protein interaction in low-grade serous ovarian cancer in our study. Proteolytic activity is also very important at multiple stages during the intraperitoneal metastases of spheroids, especially for their initial detachment from the surface of the ovary. Since a number of published experimental studies emphasize the importance of adhesion molecules and proteases in spheroid formation, maintenance, and the subsequent adhesion of cancer cells at the secondary site, targeting their action makes biological sense [89].

Cell components of proteins are identified and based on Cytoplasmic membrane-bounded vesicle lumen, telesome, autophagosome membrane, and smooth endoplasmic reticulum.

In one study by Gilks on coexistence of intracytoplasmic lumens and membrane-bound vesicles in an invasive carcinoma, the formation of cytoplasmic lumen and membrane-bound vesicles involves two entirely separate processes that can coexist within a neoplastic cell [90].

The cell components are relevant by telesome in neoplasm cells. It is noteworthy that interference with telomeres, through direct targeting of telomeric DNA or proteins involved in the complex telomosum, can negatively affect the potential of not only tumors that express the activity of telomerase, but also those whose telomeres are transmitted through maintain unknown mechanisms [91].

In Zhen’s study on roles of the autophagosome membrane in ovarian cancer cells, They identified that autophagic cell death was reduced when cultured human ovarian cancer cells in which gene had been re-expressed were treated with growth factors, angiogenic factors, and matrix proteins found in xenografts [92] Autophagosomes then fuse with lysosomes, releasing their contents for hydrolysis [93].

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is responsible for the regulation of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) and the synthesis of cell surface or secretory proteins [94]. However, ER stress will induce apoptotic death if homeostatic mechanisms are insufficient to protect or repair the cell [95].

Conclusion: Biomarker discovery and molecular investigation are potent tools in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Protein-protein interaction network analysis increases the understanding of molecular events [96]. Here, six proteins were introduced as hub-bottleneck protein. It can be concluded that regulation of gene expression, including TAGLN, KRT14, ACTB, APOA1, PRDX2 and HP proteins can play a crucial role in the pathology of Low grade serous ovarian cancer.