Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
The Use of Mouse Mammary Tumor Cells in an In Vitro Invasion Assay as a Measure of Oncogenic Cell Behavior
Published on: June 12, 2019
Potential prognostic value of repulsive guidance molecules in breast cancer
Jin Li1, Lin Ye, Robert E Mansel
1Metastasis and Angiogenesis Research Group, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, UK.
Background:
Repulsive guidance molecules (RGMs) are novel co-receptors of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) which have been implicated in bone metastasis of cancer. This study aimed to investigate roles played by RGMs in breast cancer.
Materials And Methods:
Expression of RGMs was examined in breast cancer cell lines using RT-PCR. The expression of RGMs in human breast cancer tissues was assessed using both quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical staining.
Results:
RGMB was detectable in both cell lines and tissues samples of breast cancer. RGMA and RGMC were expressed in the breast tissues, but were undetectable in the examined breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, reduced expression of RGMA in breast cancer was associated with poor prognosis. RGMB transcript levels appeared to be lower in breast cancer with local recurrence and distant metastasis, but were relatively higher in the patients who died from the disease.
Conclusion:
Aberrant expression of RGMs was indicated in breast cancer. The perturbed expression was associated with disease progression and poor prognosis.
Insights
Repulsive guidance molecules (RGMs) show altered expression in breast cancer, impacting disease progression. Reduced RGMA levels correlate with poor prognosis, while RGMB levels indicate metastasis and mortality risk.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Repulsive guidance molecules (RGMs) are novel co-receptors for bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs).
- RGMs have been implicated in cancer bone metastasis.
- Their specific roles in breast cancer require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the roles of RGMs in breast cancer.
- To analyze RGM expression patterns in breast cancer cell lines and tissues.
- To correlate RGM expression with clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for cell line expression analysis.
- Quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical staining for human breast cancer tissue analysis.
Main Results:
- RGMB was detected in breast cancer cell lines and tissues.
- RGMA and RGMC were found in breast tissues but not in cell lines.
- Reduced RGMA expression correlated with poor prognosis.
- Lower RGMB levels were associated with metastasis and recurrence, while higher levels indicated mortality.
Conclusions:
- Aberrant expression of RGMs is evident in breast cancer.
- Perturbed RGM expression is linked to disease progression.
- Altered RGM levels are associated with poor patient prognosis.
