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Overexpression of TMPRSS4 promotes tumor proliferation and aggressiveness in breast cancer

Xiao-Mei Li1, Wen-Lou Liu2, Xu Chen1

  • 1Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China.

International Journal of Molecular Medicine
|March 6, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4) is overexpressed in breast cancer, promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Targeting TMPRSS4 may offer a new therapeutic strategy for breast cancer patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4) is a serine protease implicated in various cancers.
  • Its role and mechanisms in breast cancer (BC) progression remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of TMPRSS4 in breast cancer tissues and cell lines.
  • To elucidate the biological effects of TMPRSS4 on BC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
  • To explore the underlying mechanisms, including the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was used to detect TMPRSS4 expression in BC tissues.
  • In vitro assays assessed the impact of TMPRSS4 on BC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
  • RT-qPCR and Western blot analyzed the expression of EMT biomarkers and TMPRSS4.

Main Results:

  • TMPRSS4 was overexpressed in BC tissues and correlated with adverse clinicopathological features and poor prognosis.
  • Overexpression of TMPRSS4 promoted BC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
  • TMPRSS4 knockdown suppressed EMT by upregulating E-cadherin and claudin-1 and downregulating vimentin and Slug.

Conclusions:

  • TMPRSS4 is a significant independent prognostic factor in breast cancer.
  • TMPRSS4 promotes BC progression, likely by inducing EMT.
  • TMPRSS4 represents a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.

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