Prolactin-Inducible Protein as a Marker for Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Clark J W, Snell L, Shiu R P C, Orr F W, Maitre N, Vary C P H, Cole D J, Watson P H
Primary Institution: Department of Pathology and Physiology, University of Manitoba
Hypothesis
Can PIP mRNA serve as a reliable marker for human breast cancer metastasis?
Conclusion
PIP mRNA is frequently expressed in primary human breast tumors and nodal metastases, but its presence in normal tissues raises concerns about contamination.
Supporting Evidence
- PIP mRNA was detected in 4 out of 6 breast cell lines.
- Higher PIP mRNA levels correlated with estrogen receptor positive tumors.
- PIP mRNA was found in 69% of axillary node metastases.
- PIP protein levels were assessed in 19 cases with significant results.
Takeaway
Researchers looked at a protein called PIP to see if it could help find breast cancer spread, and they found it in many cancer samples but also in normal tissues.
Methodology
The study used reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Southern or dot blot analysis to detect PIP mRNA in breast cell lines and tumors.
Limitations
PIP expression was also found in normal tissues, which could lead to contamination in blood samples.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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