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Intra-individual Gene Expression Variability of Histologically Normal Breast Tissue
Xuezheng Sun1,2, Yue Shan3, Quefeng Li3
1Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA. amysun@email.unc.edu.
Scientific Reports
|June 16, 2018
Summary
Normal breast tissue gene expression shows high reliability globally, but varies by signature. Stroma composition significantly impacts this heterogeneity, crucial for biomarker development.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Biomarker Discovery
- Breast Cancer Research
Background:
- Identifying transcriptional biomarkers in normal breast tissue is key for predicting tumor risk and prognosis.
- Previous research has not systematically evaluated intra-individual gene expression variability in normal breast tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and evaluate intra-individual gene expression variability in normal breast tissue.
- To assess the association of this variability with patient-level factors and histological characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of microarray gene expression data from 288 normal breast tissue samples from 170 women (Normal Breast Study).
- Samples were collected from multiple regions and sections within the same breast.
- Intra-individual differences in global and signature-specific gene expression were quantified.
Main Results:
- Global gene expression showed relatively high intra-individual reliability.
- Gene expression signatures related to stroma composition exhibited higher variability than proliferation-related signatures.
- Histological stroma composition (nuclear density, area) was significantly associated with tissue heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- Intra-individual variability in normal breast tissue gene expression is signature-dependent.
- Stroma composition is a key factor influencing breast tissue heterogeneity.
- Considering intra-individual variability is essential for developing robust tissue-based biomarkers for breast cancer research.
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