Redox Proteomics Analysis of Auranofin Exposed Ovarian Cancer Cells

The effects of Auranofin (AF) on protein expression and protein oxidation in A2780 cancer cells were explored through a robust investigative strategy based on joint expression proteomics and redox proteomics determinations. Bioinformatics analysis of the proteomics data supports the view that the most critical cellular changes elicited by AF treatment consist of thioredoxin reductase inhibition, alteration of the cell redox state, impairment of the mitochondrial functions, associated metabolic changes with conversion to a glycolytic phenotype, induction of ER stress. The occurrence of the above cellular changes was extensively validated by performing direct biochemical assays. Our data are consistent with the concept that AF produces its effects through a multitarget mechanism that mainly affects the redox metabolism and mitochondrial functions and results in severe ER stress. Results are discussed in the frame of the current mechanistic knowledge existing on AF.