Integrated metabolomics and proteomics analysis of plasma lipid metabolism in Parkinson’s disease

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Metabolomics and proteomics are two growing fields of science which may shed light on the molecular mechanisms that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. Studies focusing on these aspects can reveal specific metabolites and proteins that can halt or reverse the progressive neurodegenerative process leading to dopaminergic cell death in the brain.

Areas covered

In this article, an overview of the current status of metabolomic and proteomic profiling in the neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) is presented. We discuss the importance of state-of-the-art metabolomics and proteomics using advanced analytical methodologies and their potential for discovering new biomarkers in PD. We critically review the research to date, highlighting how metabolomics and proteomics can have an important impact on early disease diagnosis, future therapy development and the identification of new biomarkers. Finally, we will discuss interactions between lipids and α-synuclein (SNCA) and also consider the role of SNCA in lipid metabolism.

Expert opinion

Metabolomic and proteomic studies contribute to understanding the biological basis of PD pathogenesis, identifying potential biomarkers and introducing new therapeutic strategies. The complexity and multifactorial nature of this disease requires a comprehensive approach, which can be achieved by integrating just these two omic studies.

KEYWORDS:

• Lipid metabolism
• lipidomics
• metabolomics
• Parkinson’s disease
• PD
• plasma

Article highlights

• Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms are not completely elucidated.

• Metabolomics and proteomics are two growing fields of science which will make it possible to shed light on the molecular mechanism that contribute to causing neurodegenerative diseases.

• Molecular signatures described by biomarkers using metabolomic and lipidomic profiling strategies can be used to improve PD diagnosis, treatment, and outcome.

• Further metabolomic and proteomic research on PD should focus on the development of new analytical protocols and the validation of biomarkers so that new therapeutic strategies routinely used in clinical practice can be introduced on their basis.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosure

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Author contributions

All authors:

• made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that’s in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation.

• Actively participated in the drafting and writing of the manuscript, made significant revisions and critically reviewed the article.

• Have agreed on the journal to which the article will be submitted.

• Reviewed and agreed on all versions of the article before submission, during revision, the final version accepted for publication, and any significant changes introduced at the proofing stage.

• Have agreed to take responsibility and be accountable for the contents of the article and to share responsibility to resolve any questions raised about the accuracy or integrity of the published work.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.