Mass spectrometry‐based mitochondrial proteomics for cancer biomarker discovery

Abstract Mitochondria play key roles in cellular energy metabolism, apoptosis, and signaling pathways, and their dysfunction is closely associated with tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis. Mass spectrometry (MS)‐based mitochondrial proteomes has emerged as a powerful and transformative tool for identifying and validating tumor markers. This review comprehensively summarizes methodological advances in MS‐based mitochondrial proteomics, including sample preparation, MS techniques, and data analysis strategies. It also provides insights into the application of mitochondrial proteomics in the discovery of tumor markers for various cancer types (e.g., lung, breast, colorectal, and ovarian). In addition, challenges encountered in this field are highlighted along with potential future directions for research and clinical translation.