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Analysis of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Associated Proteins As Prognostic Markers In Breast Cancer.
Smriti Shreya1, Shweta Pandey2, Debasish Kumar Ghosh3
1Gene Expression and Signaling Lab, Department of Zoology, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, Bihar, India.
Current Genomics
|May 21, 2026
Summary
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR) involve genes that can serve as prognostic markers for breast cancer. This study identified FKBP14, SKP1, and BIRC3 as key indicators for patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Breast cancer is a complex disease influenced by cellular stresses, including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.
- The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a cellular stress pathway critical for maintaining protein homeostasis in cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genes associated with ER stress and the UPR that can serve as prognostic markers in breast cancer.
- To analyze the prognostic value of identified UPR-associated genes in breast cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Utilized STRING and Harmonizome Reactome pathway datasets to identify UPR-associated genes.
- Employed Human Protein Atlas and UALCAN databases for prognostic marker analysis.
- Validated gene expression and prognostic correlations using GEPIA2 with TCGA and GTEx data.
Main Results:
- Identified FKBP14, SKP1, and BIRC3 as potential prognostic markers for breast cancer.
- Found that higher SKP1 expression correlates with poor prognosis, while higher BIRC3 expression indicates better prognosis.
- Observed that BIRC3 protein levels increase with tumor stage and vary with patient demographics and cancer subtypes.
Conclusions:
- Genes involved in ER stress and UPR are significant prognostic markers in breast cancer.
- FKBP14, SKP1, and BIRC3 show potential for clinical application in predicting patient outcomes.
- Further research into these markers could improve breast cancer management strategies.
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