Alteration of GLIS3 gene expression pattern in patients with breast cancer

Farzaneh Rami1, Azar Baradaran2, Mahboobeh Mojaver Kahnamooi1

  • 1Department of Biology, Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

Abstract

Insights

GLIS3 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression is significantly upregulated in breast cancer tissues compared to normal tissues. This overexpression may be linked to triple-negative breast cancer, suggesting potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Oncology
  • Gene expression analysis

Background:

  • GLIS3, a member of the zinc finger family, plays a role in transcriptional regulation.
  • Aberrant GLIS3 expression is implicated in various cancer types.
  • GLIS3's potential involvement in the beta-catenin signaling pathway, crucial for breast tissue development and tumorigenesis, warrants investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate alterations in GLIS3 mRNA expression levels in breast cancer.
  • To explore the relationship between GLIS3 expression and breast cancer development.

Main Methods:

  • RNA was extracted from 15 fresh frozen breast tumor and 15 adjacent normal tissue samples.
  • Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to quantify GLIS3 and GAPDH gene expression.

Main Results:

  • GLIS3 mRNA expression was approximately 4-fold higher in breast cancer tissues than in normal tissues (P = 0.027).
  • Increased GLIS3 expression was observed in patients without lymph node involvement and with estrogen receptor (ER(-)) and progesterone receptor (PR(-)) negative statuses.
  • No significant differences in GLIS3 expression were found based on tumor origin (lobular/ductal) or tumor grade.

Conclusions:

  • GLIS3 overexpression is suggested to be associated with breast cancer.
  • The potential link between GLIS3 overexpression and triple-negative breast cancer (ER(-)/PR(-)/HER2(-)) may offer prognostic, diagnostic, or therapeutic avenues.