Protein Modifications as Potential Biomarkers in Breast Cancer

Hongjun Jin and Richard C. ZangarCell Biology and Biochemistry Group, Fundamental and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, PO Box 999, 902 Battelle Blvd, Richland, WA 99352.AbstractA variety of post-translational protein modifications (PTMs) are known to be altered as a result of cancer development. Thus, these PTMs are potentially useful biomarkers for breast cancer. Mass spectrometry, antibody microarrays and immunohistochemistry techniques have shown promise for identifying changes in PTMs. In this review, we summarize the current literature on PTMs identified in the plasma and tumor tissue of breast-cancer patients or in breast cell lines. We also discuss some of the analytical techniques currently being used to evaluate PTMs.