Decoding the mystery of MMTV-like virus and its relationship with breast cancer metastasis
Hafiz Fawad Khalid1, Sadia Bibi2, Amjad Ali3
1Center for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
Background:
MMTV causes mammary tumors in mice, and it is associated with invasive and aggressive forms of breast cancer in humans. However, the underlying mechanisms are yet unknown. We aimed to determine the MMTV-like virus (MMTV-LV) association with histological types of breast cancer, nodal involvement, and metastasis.
Methods:
First, 105 breast cancer biopsies and 15 disease-free biopsies were collected. Details of clinicopathological characteristics were retrieved from patients' records. The status of MMTV-LV was already known for these biopsy samples. Associations of MMTV-LV prevalence with LNM status and metastatic history were determined. Next, quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to quantify env gene mRNA in biopsies positive for MMTV-LV. Expression of the env gene was compared against different histopathological types of mammary tumor, LNM status, and metastasis by performing Ordinary One Way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparisons test.
Results:
MMTV-LV prevalence was found to have no significant association with LNM or metastatic history. As compared to normal control, expression of the env gene was significantly higher (>2.8 folds) in invasive samples (P-value: < 0.01). Expression was also higher (3.28 and 2.89 folds) in patient samples with LNM (P-value: 0.0006) or metastatic history (P-value: < 0.0001), respectively.
Conclusion:
We conclude that MMTV-LV prevalence is not associated with LNM status or breast cancer metastasis; samples with invasive phenotypes, nodal involvement, and metastasis exhibit significantly higher expression of the MMTV-like env gene.
Insights
The mouse mammary tumor virus-like virus (MMTV-LV) is not directly linked to breast cancer metastasis or lymph node involvement. However, its env gene expression is significantly elevated in invasive breast cancer samples.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is linked to aggressive human breast cancer, but mechanisms remain unclear.
- Investigating the association of MMTV-like virus (MMTV-LV) with breast cancer subtypes, nodal status, and metastasis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between MMTV-LV and histological types of breast cancer.
- To investigate the relationship between MMTV-LV and lymph node metastasis (LNM) and metastatic history.
- To quantify MMTV-LV env gene expression in relation to breast cancer characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 105 breast cancer biopsies and 15 disease-free controls.
- Assessment of MMTV-LV prevalence and its association with LNM and metastasis.
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR) to measure MMTV-LV env gene mRNA levels.
- Statistical analysis including Ordinary One Way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons test.
Main Results:
- MMTV-LV prevalence showed no significant association with LNM or metastatic history.
- Significantly higher expression of the MMTV-LV env gene (>2.8 folds) was observed in invasive samples compared to controls (P < 0.01).
- Env gene expression was elevated in samples with LNM (3.28 folds, P=0.0006) and metastatic history (2.89 folds, P < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- MMTV-LV prevalence is not directly correlated with lymph node involvement or metastasis in breast cancer.
- Higher MMTV-LV env gene expression is significantly associated with invasive breast cancer phenotypes, nodal involvement, and metastasis.
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