Protein kinase Cδ expression in breast cancer
Author Information
Author(s): McKiernan E, O'Brien K, Grebenchtchikov N, Geurts-Moespot A, Sieuwerts A M, Martens J W M, Magdolen V, Evoy D, McDermott E, Crown J, Sweep F C G J, Duffy M J
Primary Institution: St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
Hypothesis
The study aims to investigate the expression of PKCδ in human breast cancer and relate its levels to multiple parameters of tumour progression.
Conclusion
Increased PKCδ expression is associated with poor overall survival in breast cancer patients.
Supporting Evidence
- PKCδ mRNA expression was significantly higher in oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive compared with ER-negative tumours (P=0.007).
- Increasing concentrations of PKCδ mRNA were associated with reduced overall patient survival (P=0.004).
- Protein levels of PKCδ correlated weakly but significantly with mRNA levels.
Takeaway
This study found that a protein called PKCδ is linked to how well breast cancer patients do, with higher levels meaning worse outcomes.
Methodology
PKCδ expression was measured at the mRNA level using real-time PCR in 208 samples, and at the protein level using immunoblotting and ELISA in 94 and 98 samples respectively.
Limitations
The study's findings on protein levels were limited due to a low number of samples analyzed at the protein level.
Participant Demographics
The study included breast cancer patients with a median follow-up period of 34.8 months, with varying treatments including chemotherapy and hormone therapy.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P=0.004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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