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Published on: November 2, 2017
Tumor Suppressor Effect of RBMS3 in Breast Cancer
Chunyang Wang1, Yidan Wu2, Yunqi Liu3
1Zhujiang New Town Dental Clinic, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China.
Background:
RBMS3 (RNA-binding motif, single-stranded-intervacting protein 3) acts as a tumor-suppressive gene in a number of human cancers, however, its role in breast cancer is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the expression and clinicopathological significance of RBMS3 in breast cancer.
Methods:
A total of 998 breast cancer tissue samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database with survival outcomes were divided into high RBMS3 expression and low expression groups using the median as the cutoff. Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were compared between the 2 groups.
Results:
TCGA showed that RBMS3 mRNA was downregulated in breast cancer tissues, and RBMS3 downregulation was correlated with poor prognosis. Immunohistochemistry staining of 127 paraffin-embedded breast cancer tissues showed that RBMS3 protein was localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus; however, nuclear staining was present in 90.0% of normal breast tissues but only 28.3% of breast cancer tissues. Decreased RBMS3 protein expression was significantly correlated with estrogen receptor (ER)-negative status and death at final follow-up. Patients with lower RBMS3 protein expression had substantially shorter survival than those with higher RBMS3 expression. Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that the combination of RBMS3 expression and ER status (a variable designated as "cofactor") was an independent prognostic factor in patients with breast cancer (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.420, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.223-0.791, P = 0.007).
Conclusion:
RBMS3 downregulation was correlated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients, and the combination of RBMS3 expression and ER status was an independent prognostic factor.
Insights
RNA-binding motif, single-stranded-intervacting protein 3 (RBMS3) is downregulated in breast cancer, correlating with poor prognosis. RBMS3 expression combined with estrogen receptor status serves as an independent prognostic factor.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- RNA-binding motif, single-stranded-intervacting protein 3 (RBMS3) is recognized as a tumor suppressor in various cancers.
- The specific role and clinical significance of RBMS3 in breast cancer remain incompletely elucidated.
- This study investigates the expression patterns and prognostic implications of RBMS3 in breast cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the expression levels of RBMS3 in breast cancer tissues compared to normal tissues.
- To evaluate the correlation between RBMS3 expression and clinicopathological features of breast cancer.
- To assess the prognostic value of RBMS3 in breast cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of RBMS3 mRNA expression and survival data from 998 breast cancer samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).
- Immunohistochemical staining of RBMS3 protein in 127 breast cancer and normal tissue samples.
- Statistical comparison of clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes between high and low RBMS3 expression groups.
Main Results:
- RBMS3 mRNA was found to be downregulated in breast cancer tissues, associated with poorer survival outcomes.
- RBMS3 protein exhibited reduced nuclear localization in breast cancer tissues compared to normal tissues.
- Decreased RBMS3 expression correlated significantly with estrogen receptor-negative status and increased mortality.
- Lower RBMS3 protein levels were linked to substantially shorter patient survival.
- Combined RBMS3 expression and estrogen receptor status emerged as an independent prognostic factor (HR=0.420, P=0.007).
Conclusions:
- Downregulation of RBMS3 is associated with unfavorable prognosis in breast cancer patients.
- RBMS3 expression, particularly its nuclear localization, is a potential biomarker for breast cancer progression.
- The combination of RBMS3 expression and estrogen receptor status provides independent prognostic information for breast cancer patients.
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