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New CD44 splice variants associated with human breast cancers
1Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Miami, Florida 33101.
Journal of Cellular Physiology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Changes in CD44 variant (CD44v) isoforms are linked to breast cancer metastasis. New CD44 variant isoforms were identified in metastatic breast cancers, potentially aiding in monitoring disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cell surface CD44 variant (CD44v) isoforms are implicated in tumor metastasis.
- Understanding CD44v expression is crucial for diagnosing and treating breast cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of CD44 variant isoforms in human breast carcinoma.
- To identify novel CD44 variant isoforms associated with breast cancer metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry
- Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
- Nucleotide sequencing
Main Results:
- Normal breast tissue primarily expresses CD44 epithelial (CD44E) and minimal CD44 standard (CD44s) forms.
- Metastatic breast carcinomas overexpress CD44E and CD44s, and exhibit novel CD44 variant isoforms.
- Four new CD44 variant isoforms, resulting from unique splicing events, are associated with metastatic breast cancer.
Conclusions:
- CD44 variant isoforms are differentially expressed in normal versus metastatic breast tissues.
- Novel CD44 variant isoforms identified may serve as biomarkers for breast cancer metastasis progression.