Reverse phase protein microarrays quantify and validate the bioenergetic signature as biomarker in colorectal cancer

A reverse phase protein microarray approach has been applied to quantify proteins of energy metabolism in normal and tumor biopsies of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The metabolic proteome of CRC specimens revealed a profound shift towards and enhanced glycolytic phenotype and concurrent mitochondrial alteration. The metabolic signature discriminated CRC patients with highly significant differences in overall and disease-free prognosis. The quantification of the bioenergetic signature of the tumor offers a relevant biomarker of CRC that could contribute in the handling of these patients.

► We report the quantity of proteins of energy metabolism in colon carcinomas.
► Colorectal carcinomas show a profound shift towards an enhanced glycolysis.
► The bioenergetic signature discriminates patients with bad or good prognosis.
► The bioenergetic signature is a relevant biomarker in colorectal cancer.
► The application of protein microarray technology is encouraged in cancer studies.