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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
Published on: August 1, 2018
Profiling signalling pathways in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded breast cancer tissues reveals cross-talk
Daniela Berg1, Claudia Wolff, Katharina Malinowsky
1Institute of Pathology, Technische Universität Muenchen, Munich, Germany.
Abstract:
In the last few years, new approaches and developments in patient-tailored cancer therapies have raised the need to select, more precisely, those patients who will respond to personalized treatments. Therefore, the most efficient way for optimal therapy and patient selection is to provide a tumour-specific protein network portrait prior to treatment. The aim of our study was to monitor protein networks in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast cancer tissues, with special emphasis on epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-mediated signalling pathways, to identify and validate new disease markers. For this purpose we used a recently developed technology to extract full-length proteins from FFPE tissues and analysed 23 molecules involved in HER2-related signalling by reverse phase protein microarray (RPPA) in a series of 106 FFPE breast cancer tissue samples. We found a significant correlation of HER2 with human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3/erbB3), epidermal growth factor receptor 1 (EGFR/HER1/erbB1) and urokinase plasminogen receptor (uPAR) in routinely used FFPE breast cancer tissues. Thus, targeting HER2, EGFR, HER3 and uPAR together may offer a more efficient treatment option for patients with breast cancer.
Insights
Identifying protein networks in breast cancer tissues is key for personalized therapy. This study found that targeting HER2, EGFR, HER3, and uPAR together may improve treatment outcomes for breast cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Personalized cancer therapies require precise patient selection for optimal treatment response.
- Tumor-specific protein network analysis is crucial for guiding individualized therapeutic strategies.
- Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues are valuable resources for molecular profiling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate protein networks in FFPE breast cancer tissues, focusing on epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-mediated signaling pathways.
- To identify and validate novel biomarkers for breast cancer by analyzing protein expression.
- To assess the potential of targeting multiple signaling molecules for improved breast cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a novel technology for full-length protein extraction from FFPE breast cancer tissues.
- Employed reverse phase protein microarray (RPPA) to analyze 23 molecules involved in HER2-related signaling.
- Examined a cohort of 106 FFPE breast cancer tissue samples.
Main Results:
- Established significant correlations between HER2 and human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3/erbB3), epidermal growth factor receptor 1 (EGFR/HER1/erbB1), and urokinase plasminogen receptor (uPAR).
- Demonstrated the feasibility of analyzing protein networks in routinely processed FFPE breast cancer samples.
- Identified potential co-targeting strategies based on observed protein network interactions.
Conclusions:
- The protein network analysis in FFPE tissues provides valuable insights into breast cancer biology.
- Simultaneous targeting of HER2, EGFR, HER3, and uPAR may represent a more effective therapeutic approach for breast cancer patients.
- Further validation is warranted to translate these findings into clinical practice for improved patient outcomes.
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