Comparative proteomic analysis reveals characteristic molecular changes accompanying the transformation of nonmalignant to cancer lung cells

•NSCLC cells exhibit characteristic protein changes compared to normal cells.•Action cytoskeletal proteins are preferentially downregulated in cancer cells.•The formation of stress fibers and focal adhesions is diminished in cancer cells.•Mitochondrial hemoproteins are upregulated in cancer cells.

To identify changes in proteins accompanying transformation of normal lung epithelial cells to cancer cells, we performed a comparative proteomic study using two cell lines representing matching normal and cancer cells. Strikingly, a good number of detected actin cytoskeletal proteins were preferentially downregulated in cancer cells, while similar numbers of proteins in other organelles were up or downregulated. We also found that the formation of stress fibers and focal adhesions were substantially decreased in cancer cells. Protein network analysis showed that the altered proteins are highly connected. These results provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism promoting lung cancer progression.

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