Keratin 24 Predicts Poor Prognosis in Breast Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Keratin 24 (KRT24) is a cytoskeletal protein crucial for intermediate filament formation and mechanical stability.
• KRT24 overexpression is linked to enhanced tumor cell migration, invasion, and metastasis in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinicopathological significance of KRT24 expression in large breast cancer (BC) cohorts.
• To evaluate the association of KRT24 expression with patient outcomes and treatment response.

Main Methods:

• KRT24 mRNA levels were analyzed in 13,025 BC patient datasets.
• KRT24 protein expression was assessed via immunohistochemistry in 832 operable BC patients.
• Associations with clinicopathological features and survival outcomes were statistically evaluated.

Main Results:

• KRT24 expression (mRNA and protein) correlated with poor prognostic indicators: high histological grade, ER negativity, and HER2 positivity.
• High KRT24 protein levels in chemotherapy-treated patients predicted shorter survival and increased risk of distant metastasis and BC-related death.
• Elevated KRT24 mRNA expression was linked to pathway dysregulation, including cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and IL-17 signaling.

Conclusions:

• KRT24 expression is a significant indicator of poor prognosis in breast cancer.
• KRT24 demonstrates predictive value in advanced BC and represents a potential therapeutic target for aggressive disease.