hAG-2 and hAG-3, human homologues of genes involved in differentiation, are associated with oestrogen receptor-positive breast tumours and interact with metastasis gene C4.4a and dystroglycan
2003

Study of hAG-2 and hAG-3 in Breast Cancer

Sample size: 60 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Fletcher G C, Patel S, Tyson K, Adam P J, Schenker M, Loader J A, Daviet L, Legrain P, Parekh R, Harris A L, Terrett J A

Primary Institution: Oxford Glycosciences

Hypothesis

hAG-2 and hAG-3 are associated with oestrogen receptor-positive breast tumours and interact with metastasis-related proteins.

Conclusion

hAG-2 and hAG-3 are coexpressed in breast cancer tissues and may play a role in tumor establishment and metastasis.

Supporting Evidence

  • hAG-2 and hAG-3 mRNA and protein exhibit a similar expression pattern in breast cancer tissues.
  • Coexpression of hAG-2 and hAG-3 correlates with oestrogen receptor status.
  • Both proteins interact with C4.4a and alpha-dystroglycan, which are associated with metastasis.

Takeaway

This study found that two proteins, hAG-2 and hAG-3, are often found together in breast cancer and might help the cancer spread.

Methodology

Immunohistochemical and real-time quantitative RT–PCR analysis were used to assess the expression of hAG-2 and hAG-3 in breast cancer tissues.

Limitations

The study did not assess the role of hAG-2 and hAG-3 in lymph node metastasis.

Participant Demographics

Breast cancer tissues from 60 donors were analyzed.

Statistical Information

P-Value

P<0.0001 for coexpression of hAG-2 and hAG-3

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600740

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication