A new study published in the journal Angewandte Chemie has found that the level of hydrogen peroxide, a reactive oxygen species (ROS), is significantly higher in pancreatic cancer cells than in other ROS molecules. Reactive oxygen species play an important role in cellular functioning, but in cancer cells, the regulation of these species appears to be disrupted.
The research team, led by Renato Zenobi of ETH Zurich, Switzerland, was able to selectively measure the levels of three prominent members of the ROS group: hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals. Using chemical reactions, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and biological assays, the team detected the levels of each species separately.
The study revealed that cancer-promoting mutations suppress the genetic expression of enzymes that break down hydrogen peroxide. The increased level of hydrogen peroxide was found to alter the lipid composition of the cancer cells, which divide quickly and require large amounts of lipids to form new membranes.
The researchers concluded that the down-regulation of hydrogen peroxide is disrupted in pancreatic cancer cells, which is why they could detect more of this ROS. The team proposes using new analysis techniques, such as mass spectrometry, to differentiate between different ROS molecules rather than just detecting them as a sum parameter. Additionally, the study found that oncogenic KRAS mutations promote the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in pancreatic cancer cells, which modifies cellular metabolites and promotes the survival of the cancer cells.
The detection of ROS is not easy, as most oxygen radicals are unstable, short-lived, and can interfere with each other. Current methods used to detect ROS include fluorescent and chemiluminescent assays, chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods, electrochemical biosensors, and electron paramagnetic resonance. The results of this study highlight the specific role of hydrogen peroxide in pancreatic cancer development, which could provide new directions for pancreatic cancer therapy.
By detecting the level of hydrogen peroxide in pancreatic cancer cells, the team has found a new target for cancer research and therapies. The study highlights the importance of using new analysis techniques, such as mass spectrometry, to differentiate between different ROS molecules in cancer cells.