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Immunohistochemical Expression of IRE1 and PERK in Breast Cancer: Associations With Clinicopathological Characteristics and Survival Outcomes

  • 0Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Ioannina, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
Cancer Diagnosis & Prognosis +

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July 2, 2025

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July 2, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

High expression of IRE1 and PERK (inositol-requiring enzyme 1 and PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase) is linked to aggressive breast cancer and poorer survival. These findings highlight the unfolded protein response

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background

  • The unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway, involving IRE1 and PERK, plays a role in cellular stress.
  • Dysregulation of UPR components like IRE1 and PERK is implicated in various cancers, including breast cancer.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of IRE1 and PERK in breast cancer.
  • To investigate the association between IRE1 and PERK expression and clinicopathological characteristics.
  • To explore the relationship between IRE1 and PERK expression and patient survival outcomes.

Main Methods

  • Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze IRE1 and PERK expression in 72 breast cancer specimens and 16 controls.
  • Statistical analyses, including Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models, were employed.
  • Associations with clinicopathological variables, hormone receptor status, tumor markers, and survival were assessed.

Main Results

  • IRE1 and PERK expression were significantly elevated in breast cancer tissues compared to controls (p<0.001).
  • High IRE1/PERK expression correlated with aggressive tumor features: older age, higher grade, advanced TNM stage, positive hormone receptors, HER2 positivity, and increased Ki-67.
  • High IRE1 and PERK expression were associated with increased mortality risk and worse survival (HR=12.19, p=0.05 for IRE1; HR=12.10, p=0.04 for PERK).

Conclusions

  • Elevated IRE1 and PERK expression are biomarkers for aggressive breast cancer phenotypes.
  • The UPR pathway is crucial in breast cancer carcinogenesis and progression.
  • Targeting IRE1 and PERK may offer therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.

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