Expression of oestrogen receptor beta (ERβ1) protein in human breast cancer biopsies
2002

Expression of Oestrogen Receptor Beta in Breast Cancer

Sample size: 51 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Saunders P T K, Millar M R, Williams K, Macpherson S, Bayne C, O'Sullivan C, Anderson T J, Groome N P, Miller W R

Primary Institution: MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit

Hypothesis

What is the prevalence of oestrogen receptor beta protein expression in breast cancer biopsies?

Conclusion

The study found that oestrogen receptor beta was expressed in 94% of breast cancer samples, indicating its potential role in breast cancer biology.

Supporting Evidence

  • All samples tested were positive for ERβ following RT–PCR.
  • 94% of the breast cancer samples were immunopositive for oestrogen receptor beta.
  • Expression of oestrogen receptor beta was exclusively nuclear and occurred in multiple cell types.

Takeaway

This study looked at breast cancer samples to see if they had a specific protein called oestrogen receptor beta, and most of them did.

Methodology

The study used immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis to detect the expression of oestrogen receptor beta in breast cancer biopsies.

Limitations

The study did not determine the quantitative relationship between the expression of oestrogen receptor alpha and beta.

Participant Demographics

Patients presenting to the Edinburgh Breast Unit with a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600035

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