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Increased phospholipase D activity in human breast cancer
N Uchida1, S Okamura, Y Nagamachi
1First Department of Surgery, Gunma University School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan.
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Phospholipase D activity is elevated in human breast tumors, suggesting its role in cancer development. Increased phospholipase D levels may serve as a potential biomarker for breast cancer detection.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Phospholipase D (PLD) is implicated in cell proliferation and tumorigenesis.
- PLD generates phosphatidic acid, leading to protein kinase C activation, which is altered in some breast tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate phospholipase D activity in human breast tumors.
- To determine if PLD activity can serve as a biomarker for breast malignancy.
Main Methods:
- Assayed phospholipase D activity by measuring phosphatidylethanol formation from phosphatidylcholine and ethanol in surgical breast tumor specimens.
- Fractionated tumor tissue to localize PLD activity and assessed stimulation by oleic acid.
Main Results:
- Phospholipase D activity was primarily found in the microsomal fraction and stimulated by oleic acid.
- A significant increase in PLD activity was observed in 17 out of 19 breast tumors compared to normal adjacent tissue (mean tumor/normal ratio of 2.37).
- Higher PLD activity correlated with nuclear grade, a prognostic factor.
Conclusions:
- Results suggest a role for phospholipase D in human breast tumors.
- Elevated phospholipase D activity could be a useful marker for detecting malignant breast disease.