Solute carrier family 35 member A2 (SLC35A2) is a prognostic biomarker and correlated with immune infiltration in stomach adenocarcinoma

Clinical glycoproteomics: methods and diseases

Glycoproteins, representing a significant proportion of posttranslational products, play pivotal roles in various biological processes, such as signal transduction and immune response. Abnormal glycosylation may lead to structural and functional changes of glycoprotein, which is closely related to the occurrence and development of various diseases. Consequently, exploring protein glycosylation can shed light on the mechanisms behind disease manifestation and pave the way for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Nonetheless, the study of clinical glycoproteomics is fraught with challenges due to the low abundance and intricate structures of glycosylation. Recent advancements in mass spectrometry-based clinical glycoproteomics have improved our ability to identify abnormal glycoproteins in clinical samples. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the foundational principles and recent advancements in clinical glycoproteomic methodologies and applications. Furthermore, we discussed the typical characteristics, underlying functions, and mechanisms of glycoproteins in various diseases, such as brain diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, kidney diseases, and metabolic diseases. Additionally, we highlighted potential avenues for future development in clinical glycoproteomics. These insights provided in this review will enhance the comprehension of clinical glycoproteomic methods and diseases and promote the elucidation of pathogenesis and the discovery of novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Glycosylation in cancer as a source of biomarkers

INTRODUCTION

Glycosylation, the process of glycan synthesis and attachment to target molecules, is a crucial and common post-translational modification (PTM) in mammalian cells. It affects the protein's hydrophilicity, charge, solubility, structure, localization, function, and protection from proteolysis. Aberrant glycosylation in proteins can reveal new detection and therapeutic Glyco-biomarkers, which help to improve accurate early diagnosis and personalized treatment. This review underscores the pivotal role of glycans and glycoproteins as a source of biomarkers in human diseases, particularly cancer.

AREAS COVERED

This review delves into the implications of glycosylation, shedding light on its intricate roles in cancer-related cellular processes influencing biomarkers. It is underpinned by a thorough examination of literature up to June 2024 in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar; concentrating on the terms: (Glycosylation[Title/Abstract]) OR (Glycan[Title/Abstract]) OR (glycoproteomics[Title/Abstract]) OR (Proteoglycans[Title/Abstract]) OR (Glycomarkers[Title/Abstract]) AND (Cancer[Title/Abstract]) AND ((Diagno*[Title/Abstract]) OR (Progno*[Title/Abstract])).

EXPERT OPINION

Glyco-biomarkers enhance early cancer detection, allow early intervention, and improve patient prognoses. However, the abundance and complex dynamic glycan structure may make their scientific and clinical application difficult. This exploration of glycosylation signatures in cancer biomarkers can provide a detailed view of cancer etiology and instill hope in the potential of glycosylation to revolutionize cancer research.

Solute carrier family 35 member A2 regulates mitophagy through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis, promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells

The treatment of osteosarcoma patients exhibits individual variability, underscoring the critical importance of targeted therapy. Although (Solute carrier family 35 member A2) SLC35A2's role in the progression of various cancers has been extensively investigated, its specific implications in osteosarcoma remain unexplored. Leveraging data from the (The Cancer Genome Atlas) TCGA and (Genotype-Tissue Expression) GTEx databases, we have discerned that SLC35A2 is notably upregulated in osteosarcoma and correlates with the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. Consequently, it becomes imperative to delve into the role of SLC35A2 in the context of osteosarcoma. Our research substantiates that SLC35A2 exerts a notable influence on mitochondrial autophagy in osteosarcoma, thereby exerting cascading effects on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells. Mechanistically, SLC35A2 orchestrates mitochondrial autophagy via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, we have conducted rigorous animal experiments to further corroborate the repercussions of SLC35A2 on osteosarcoma growth. In summation, our study elucidates that SLC35A2's modulation of mitochondrial autophagy through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway constitutes a pivotal factor in the malignant progression of osteosarcoma, unveiling promising therapeutic targets for patients grappling with this condition.

Advances in reprogramming of energy metabolism in tumor T cells

Cancer is a leading cause of human death worldwide, and the modulation of the metabolic properties of T cells employed in cancer immunotherapy holds great promise for combating cancer. As a crucial factor, energy metabolism influences the activation, proliferation, and function of T cells, and thus metabolic reprogramming of T cells is a unique research perspective in cancer immunology. Special conditions within the tumor microenvironment and high-energy demands lead to alterations in the energy metabolism of T cells. In-depth research on the reprogramming of energy metabolism in T cells can reveal the mechanisms underlying tumor immune tolerance and provide important clues for the development of new tumor immunotherapy strategies as well. Therefore, the study of T cell energy metabolism has important clinical significance and potential applications. In the study, the current achievements in the reprogramming of T cell energy metabolism were reviewed. Then, the influencing factors associated with T cell energy metabolism were introduced. In addition, T cell energy metabolism in cancer immunotherapy was summarized, which highlighted its potential significance in enhancing T cell function and therapeutic outcomes. In summary, energy exhaustion of T cells leads to functional exhaustion, thus resulting in immune evasion by cancer cells. A better understanding of reprogramming of T cell energy metabolism may enable immunotherapy to combat cancer and holds promise for optimizing and enhancing existing therapeutic approaches.