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Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
11:12

Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material

Published on: August 1, 2018

Differential expression of TKS4 isoforms and their role in cellular processes in breast cancer

Serhii Kropyvko1, Nazar Shevchuk1, Olga Gubar1

  • 1Department of Functional Genomics Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics NAS of Ukraine Kyiv Ukraine.

Journal of Cell Communication and Signaling
|August 20, 2026
PubMed

Insights

The scaffold protein TKS4, crucial in cancer, has two isoforms, TKS4L and TKS4b, with distinct functions. Both promote cancer progression by driving epithelial-mesenchymal transition, suggesting TKS4 as a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Cancer research
  • Cell biology

Background:

  • The scaffold protein TKS4 is implicated in cancer development.
  • Alternative splicing of the TKS4 gene produces TKS4L and TKS4b isoforms.
  • The distinct expression and functions of TKS4 isoforms are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the differential expression and functional roles of TKS4L and TKS4b isoforms in breast cancer.
  • To identify binding partners and signaling interactions of TKS4 isoforms.
  • To explore the impact of TKS4 isoforms on cancer cell behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Differential expression analysis of TKS4 isoforms in cell lines and breast cancer tissues.
  • Identification of TKS4 isoform binding partners using biochemical assays.
  • Analysis of TKS4 isoform localization and tyrosine phosphorylation.
  • Assessment of TKS4 isoform effects on cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Main Results:

  • TKS4 isoforms show differential expression in breast cancer cells and tumors.
  • TKS4L binds to novel SRC homology 3-domain-containing partners, distinct from TKS4b.
  • TKS4b localizes to the nucleus, while TKS4L is primarily in the cytosol.
  • Both isoforms promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and TKS4b enhances cell migration.

Conclusions:

  • TKS4L and TKS4b possess distinct cellular localizations and binding interactions, indicating functional divergence.
  • Both TKS4 isoforms contribute to breast cancer progression through oncogenic properties.
  • TKS4 isoforms represent potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer intervention.
Keywords:
MCF‐7 cellsTKS4 isoformsbreast cancerepithelial‐mesenchymal transitiongene expressioninvasionmigrationproliferation

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