Integrating Functional Proteomics and Next Generation Sequencing Reveals Potential Therapeutic Targets for Taiwanese Breast Cancer

Abstract Integrating functional proteomics and next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers a comprehensive approach to unraveling the molecular intricacies of breast cancer. This study investigates the functional interplay between genomic alterations and protein expression in Taiwanese breast cancer patients. By analyzing 61 breast cancer samples using tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling and mass spectrometry, coupled with whole-exome sequencing (WES) or targeted sequencing, we identified key genetic mutations and their impact on protein expression. Notably, pathogenic variants in BRCA1, BRCA2, PTEN, and PIK3CA were found to be clinically relevant, potentially guiding targeted therapy decisions. Additionally, we discovered trans correlations between specific gene alterations (FANCA, HRAS, PIK3CA, MAP2K1, JAK2) and the expression of 22 proteins, suggesting potential molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer development and progression. These findings highlight the power of integrating proteomics and NGS to identify potential therapeutic targets and enhance personalized medicine strategies for Taiwanese breast cancer patients.