Exploring the evolving role of apolipoproteins in oncology: global trends and emerging frontiers

Metabolic reprogramming, especially lipid metabolism, is crucial in cancer progression and treatment resistance. Apolipoproteins are crucial targets for research as they regulate autophagy, oxidative stress, and chemoresistance. A systematic bibliometric and bioinformatics approach is necessary to identify trends and elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking apolipoproteins to cancer.

A systematic bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed. VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the Bibliometrix R package were employed to analyze and visualize co-authorship networks, keyword trends, and other key metrics. Bioinformatics analysis integrated protein–protein interaction network construction, hub gene identification, and enrichment analysis using R-based pipelines.

China has led the international research on apolipoproteins and cancer since 2015. Research has shifted from molecular studies to clinical applications, highlighting the roles of apolipoproteins in cancer risk, progression, and prognosis. Bioinformatic analysis identified key genes represented by APOA1 (apolipoprotein A1), APOE (apolipoprotein E), APOA2 (apolipoprotein A2), and ALB (Albumin) as central regulators in lipid localization, cholesterol metabolism, insulin resistance, and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) signaling pathways.

This study combines bibliometric and bioinformatic approaches to explore apolipoprotein research in cancer. The research trend revealed apolipoproteins with the most research potential in a specific cancer type, as confirmed in the clinical trials. Bioinformatic research found the key genes regulating several essential lipid-related pathways. This article clearly outlined the research landscape and frontiers of this field by combining various databases and methods, highlighting the significant potential of apolipoproteins in the development of novel cancer medications.