Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 12, 2026
Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
Published on: August 1, 2018
Frizzled-9 Expression Is Associated With Aggressive Clinicopathological Features and Reduced Overall Survival in
Daniel Rodrigues de Bastos1,2, Ricardo Cesar Cintra1, Adhemar Longatto-Filho3,4,5
1Center for Translational Research in Oncology (LIM/24), Instituto do Cancer do Estado de Sao Paulo, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Frizzled class receptor 9 (FZD9) expression in breast cancer correlates with aggressive features and reduced survival. Its levels are dynamically modulated by various therapies, suggesting FZD9 as a potential marker for tumor aggressiveness.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- The Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway plays a role in tumor progression.
- Frizzled class receptor 9 (FZD9) expression and regulation in breast cancer are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate FZD9 protein expression in breast tumors.
- To investigate FZD9 transcriptional modulation by cytotoxic and epigenetic agents in breast cancer cell lines.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of FZD9 in 81 breast cancer cases.
- RT-qPCR to quantify FZD9 mRNA levels after treatment with cytotoxic (cisplatin, doxorubicin, paclitaxel), epigenetic (trichostatin A, 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine), and radiation therapies.
Main Results:
- FZD9 protein expression was higher in HER2-enriched tumors, high Ki-67 index cases, and advanced T-stage tumors.
- FZD9-positive tumors were linked to decreased overall survival.
- FZD9 transcript levels varied across cell lines and showed context-dependent responses to treatments.
Conclusions:
- Breast cancer FZD9 expression is heterogeneous and linked to aggressive features.
- FZD9 is dynamically modulated by therapeutic exposures.
- FZD9 may serve as an exploratory marker for tumor aggressiveness and therapy response.
Related Concept Videos
01:05Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
02:07Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...