Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
11:12
Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
Published on: August 1, 2018
8.9K
Elevated insulin receptor content in human breast cancer
V Papa1, V Pezzino, A Costantino
1Cattedra di Endocrinologia, Università di Catania, Ospedale Garibaldi, Italy.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Breast cancer tissues show significantly higher insulin receptor levels compared to normal tissues. This suggests a potential role for insulin receptors in breast cancer development and progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Breast cancer growth is influenced by hormones, growth factors, and their receptors.
- Insulin receptors play a role in cellular metabolism and growth.
- Understanding receptor expression in cancer is crucial for targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify insulin receptor levels in breast cancer specimens.
- To compare insulin receptor content in malignant versus normal breast tissues.
- To investigate correlations between insulin receptor levels and clinical/histological features of breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Employed a sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for direct measurement of insulin receptors.
- Analyzed 159 surgical specimens of breast cancer.
- Compared results with normal breast tissues from mastectomy and reduction mammoplasty, and with liver tissue.
Main Results:
- Insulin receptor content was significantly higher (over sixfold) in breast cancer tissues compared to normal breast tissues.
- Insulin receptors in breast cancer retained binding and tyrosine kinase activation capabilities.
- Insulin receptor content positively correlated with tumor size, histological grade, and estrogen receptor content.
Conclusions:
- Insulin receptor content is elevated in breast cancers.
- The insulin receptor is primarily located in malignant epithelial cells.
- The findings suggest a potential role for insulin receptors in breast cancer biology.
Related Concept Videos
02:39lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs
7.5K
In humans, more than 80% of the genome gets transcribed. However, only around 2% of the genome codes for proteins. The remaining part produces non-coding RNAs which includes ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, telomerase RNAs, and regulatory RNAs, among other types. A large number of regulatory non-coding RNAs have been classified into two groups depending upon their length – small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNA, which are less than 200 nucleotides in length, and long non-coding RNA...
7.5K
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
3.6K
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...
3.6K
01:05Insulin Secretory Vesicles
6.3K
Insulin secretory vesicles release insulin to stimulate blood glucose uptake and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. When the blood glucose levels increase, glucose enters the pancreatic β-islet cells through glucose transporters. Once inside, glucose is metabolized through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, producing ATP. This increase in ATP concentration closes ATP-sensitive potassium channels, leading to depolarization of the membrane and the opening of...
6.3K
01:22PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
5.1K
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast, mTORC2 consists of a...
5.1K
01:28Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways
6.0K
Insulin action is mediated through a receptor tyrosine kinase, akin to the IGF-1 receptor. The number of receptors per cell varies significantly, from 40 on erythrocytes to 300,000 on adipocytes and hepatocytes. The insulin receptor consists of linked α/β subunit dimers, forming a heterotetramer glycoprotein with two extracellular α subunits and two β subunits spanning the membrane. The α subunits inhibit the inherent tyrosine kinase activity of the β subunits, but...
6.0K