Proteomic Characterization of a 3D HER2+ Breast Cancer Model Reveals the Role of Mitochondrial Complex I in Acquired Resistance to Trastuzumab.

HER2-targeted therapies, such as Trastuzumab (Tz), have significantly improved the clinical outcomes for patients with HER2+ breast cancer (BC). However, treatment resistance remains a major obstacle. To elucidate functional and metabolic changes associated with acquired resistance, we characterized protein profiles of BC Tz-responder spheroids (RSs) and non-responder spheroids (nRSs) by a proteomic approach. Three-dimensional cultures were generated from the HER2+ human mammary adenocarcinoma cell line BT-474 and a derived resistant cell line. Before and after a 15-day Tz treatment, samples of each condition were collected and analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The analysis of differentially expressed proteins exhibited the deregulation of energetic metabolism and mitochondrial pathways. A down-regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and up-regulation of mitochondria organization proteins, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, were observed in nRSs. Of note, Complex I-related proteins were increased in this condition and the inhibition by metformin highlighted that their activity is necessary for nRS survival. Furthermore, a correlation analysis showed that overexpression of Complex I proteins NDUFA10 and NDUFS2 was associated with high clinical risk and worse survival for HER2+ BC patients. In conclusion, the non-responder phenotype identified here provides a signature of proteins and related pathways that could lead to therapeutic biomarker investigation.

The mycobacterial thioredoxin peroxidase can act as a one-cysteine peroxiredoxin.

Thioredoxin peroxidase (TPx) has been reported to dominate the defense against H(2)O(2), other hydroperoxides, and peroxynitrite at the expense of thioredoxin (Trx) B and C in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mt). By homology, the enzyme has been classified as an atypical 2-C-peroxiredoxin (Prx), with Cys(60) as the "peroxidatic" cysteine (C(P)) forming a complex catalytic center with Cys(93) as the "resolving" cysteine (C(R)). Site-directed mutagenesis confirms Cys(60) to be C(P) and Cys(80) to be catalytically irrelevant. Replacing Cys(93) with serine leads to fast inactivation as seen by conventional activity determination, which is associated with oxidation of Cys(60) to a sulfinic acid derivative. However, in comparative stopped-flow analysis, WT-MtTPx and MtTPx C93S reduce peroxynitrite and react with TrxB and -C similarly fast. Reduction of pre-oxidized WT-MtTPx and MtTPx C93S by MtTrxB is demonstrated by monitoring the redox-dependent tryptophan fluorescence of MtTrxB. Furthermore, MtTPx C93S remains stable for 10 min at a morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride-generated low flux of peroxynitrite and excess MtTrxB in a dihydrorhodamine oxidation model. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed disulfide bridges between Cys(60) and Cys(93) and between Cys(60) and Cys(80) in oxidized WT-MtTPx. Reaction of pre-oxidized WT-MtTPx and MtTPx C93S with MtTrxB C34S or MtTrxC C40S yielded dead-end intermediates in which the Trx mutants are preferentially linked via disulfide bonds to Cys(60) and never to Cys(93) of the TPx. It is concluded that neither Cys(80) nor Cys(93) is required for the catalytic cycle of the peroxidase. Instead, MtTPx can react as a 1-C-Prx with Cys(60) being the site of attack for both the oxidizing and the reducing substrate. The role of Cys(93) is likely to conserve the oxidation equivalents of the sulfenic acid state of C(P) as a disulfide bond to prevent overoxidation of Cys(60) under a restricted supply of reducing substrate.