Critical Points in Tumorigenesis: A Carcinogen-Initiated Phase Transition Analyzed via Single-Cell Proteomics

Small. 2016 Mar;12(11):1425-31. doi: 10.1002/smll.201501178. Epub 2016 Jan 18.

Abstract

A kinetic, single-cell proteomic study of chemically induced carcinogenesis is interpreted by treating the single-cell data as fluctuations of an open system transitioning between different steady states. In analogy to a first-order transition, phase coexistence and the loss of degrees of freedom are observed. The transition is detected well before the appearance of the traditional biomarker of the carcinogenic transformation.

Keywords: carcinogenesis; microfluidics; phase transition; single-cell proteomics; steady state.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinogenesis / drug effects*
  • Carcinogenesis / pathology*
  • Carcinogens / toxicity*
  • Humans
  • Phase Transition / drug effects*
  • Proteomics / methods*
  • Single-Cell Analysis / methods*

Substances

  • Carcinogens