New insights into the molecular mechanisms of selected anticancer metal compounds through bioinformatic analysis of proteomic data

Abstract

Research has increasingly focused on cytotoxic gold and ruthenium compounds as anticancer drug candidates. From proteomic investigations, clearly emerged that a few different cellular pathways relevant for the comprehension of the pharmacological actions are specifically modulated by them. To gain a better intepretation of their cellular effects, we decided to undertake a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of the available proteomic results. Data obtained from prevously published treatments were grouped and mapped in the PPI Spider on the web portal Bioprofiling (http://www.BioProfiling.de/gene_list). A preliminary map of protein-protein interactions was built up, and some mechanistically relevant features highlighted. In total, 34 proteins resulted to be direct gold and ruthenium compounds interactors; we built a statistically significant interaction network that grouped together all the proteins differentially expressed. Moreover, we showed as intermediate protein cREL a Component of the NF-kappa-B. This study explores the affected protein pathways from an interactomic prospective stressing the importance of advanced bioinformatic analysis. © 2013 Gamberi T, et al.