Proteomics-Based Mapping of the Lymph Node Metastasis Landscape in Cervical Cancer

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) in cervical cancer is a critical
determinant
of the disease progression and prognosis. Elucidating its molecular
mechanisms and identifying specific biomarkers are crucial for optimizing
treatment. DIA-based quantitative proteomic sequencing was conducted
on 49 cervical cancer patients. We screened differentially expressed
proteins and performed functional enrichment, pathway scoring, time-series
analysis, protein interaction studies, and integrated proteomic and
TCGA transcriptomic data to identify biomarkers. 56 genes showed consistent
expression trends, with 2 upregulated (SERPINB5, FABP5) and 54 downregulated
(including ZNF512). Novel findings include activation of unsaturated
fatty acid/steroid biosynthesis and inhibition of cell junction pathways
during progression. Lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) precedes
LNM, but a subset of LNM cases lacks LVSI and exhibits a unique cholesterol
metabolism activation. SERPINB5, FABP5, and ZNF512 were validated
as potential prognostic and LNM-predictive biomarkers. DIA proteomics
characterized cervical cancer lymph node metastasis, revealing molecular
changes and potential biomarkers and offering new insights into its
biological mechanisms.