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Updated: Mar 29, 2026
Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
Published on: August 1, 2018
Immunohistochemical evaluation of ROCK activation in invasive breast cancer
Chih-Yi Hsu1,2, Zee-Fen Chang3, Hsiao-Hui Lee4
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd, Taipei, Taiwan ROC. cyhsu@vghtpe.gov.tw.
Background:
Two isoforms of Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK), ROCKI and ROCKII, play an important role in many cellular processes. Despite the accumulating evidence showing that ROCK could be a potential cancer therapeutic target, the relevant tumor types to ROCK activation are not well clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ROCK activation status in different tumor types of breast cancer.
Results:
We evaluated the immunoreactivities of phosphorylation-specific antibodies of ROCKI and ROCKII to inform their kinase activation in 275 of breast carcinoma tissues, including 56 of carcinoma in situ, 116 of invasive carcinoma, and 103 of invasive carcinoma with metastasis. ROCKII activation signal detected in nucleus was significantly correlated with tumor metastasis, while ROCKI and cytosolic ROCKII activation signals made no significant difference in that metastasis. Furthermore, nuclear ROCKII activation signal was associated with poor clinical outcome and correlated with late tumor stage, low expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR), overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and high Ki67 labeling index.
Conclusions:
Nuclear ROCKII activation signal might contribute to the tumor metastasis in breast cancer. Differences in ROCK activation that underlie the phenotypes of breast cancer could enhance our understanding for the use of ROCK inhibitors in cancer therapy.
Insights
Nuclear ROCKII activation is linked to breast cancer metastasis and poor outcomes. Understanding these ROCK pathway differences can guide ROCK inhibitor cancer therapy strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Oncology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) isoforms, ROCKI and ROCKII, are crucial in cellular processes.
- ROCK is a potential cancer therapeutic target, but its role in specific tumor types requires clarification.
- This study investigates ROCK activation status across different breast cancer subtypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate ROCK activation in various breast carcinoma tissues.
- To determine the correlation between ROCK activation and breast cancer metastasis.
- To associate ROCK activation with clinical outcomes and molecular subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Immunoreactivity assessment using phosphorylation-specific antibodies for ROCKI and ROCKII.
- Analysis of 275 breast carcinoma tissues: carcinoma in situ, invasive carcinoma, and invasive carcinoma with metastasis.
- Correlation analysis between ROCK activation signals and clinicopathological features.
Main Results:
- Nuclear ROCKII activation significantly correlated with tumor metastasis.
- ROCKI and cytosolic ROCKII activation showed no significant association with metastasis.
- Nuclear ROCKII activation linked to poor prognosis, advanced stage, ER/PR negativity, HER2 overexpression, and high Ki67.
Conclusions:
- Nuclear ROCKII activation may drive breast cancer metastasis.
- Distinct ROCK activation patterns in breast cancer phenotypes offer insights for ROCK inhibitor therapy.
- Targeting ROCK signaling could be a viable strategy for specific breast cancer subtypes.
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