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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
11:12

Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material

Published on: August 1, 2018

Expression of nuclear insulin receptor substrate 1 in breast cancer

Diego Sisci1, Catia Morelli, Cecilia Garofalo

  • 1Department of Pharmaco-Biology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.

Journal of Clinical Pathology
|August 3, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Nuclear IRS-1 is present in breast cancer and correlates with ERalpha in ductal tumors, indicating a less aggressive cancer. This finding is crucial for understanding breast cancer progression and potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) is a key signaling protein implicated in breast cancer.
  • Nuclear translocation of IRS-1 and its modulation of oestrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) have been observed in vitro.
  • The presence of nuclear IRS-1 in human breast cancer biopsy specimens remains unexamined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and significance of nuclear IRS-1 in breast cancer and normal mammary epithelium.
  • To determine the correlation between nuclear IRS-1 and ERalpha expression in breast cancer.
  • To assess the relationship between cytoplasmic IRS-1 and ERalpha.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemical analysis was employed to assess IRS-1 and ERalpha expression.
  • Statistical evaluation included Pearson's correlation, linear regression, and receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Main Results:

  • Nuclear IRS-1 expression was significantly higher in benign tumors and various breast cancer subtypes compared to normal epithelium.
  • A positive correlation was observed between nuclear IRS-1 and ERalpha in ductal carcinoma and benign tumors.
  • In ductal carcinoma, both nuclear IRS-1 and ERalpha negatively correlated with tumor grade, size, mitotic index, and lymph node involvement.

Conclusions:

  • Nuclear IRS-1 and ERalpha co-expression is characteristic of ductal breast cancer.
  • This association signifies a more differentiated and less metastatic tumor phenotype.
  • Nuclear IRS-1 may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting breast cancer behavior.

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