Breast carcinomas that co-express E- and P-cadherin are associated with p120-catenin cytoplasmic localisation and poor patient survival

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2008

Authors

Fernando Schmitt (Author) FMUP; Maria Milanezi (Author) FMUP; Joana Paredes (Author) Other

Journal

Title: JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY

Vol. 61

Pages: 856-862

ISSN: 0021-9746

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 51 Citations

Scopus - 58 Citations

Pubmed / Medline

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Basic medicine

CORDIS: Health sciences > Medical sciences > Medicine > Pathological anatomy

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-Y4T

DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2007.052704

Abstract (EN): Background: Changes in junctional catenin expression may compromise cadherin-mediated adhesion, increasing cell malignant properties such as invasive and metastatic abilities. Altered expression of alpha-, beta-, gamma- and p120-catenin has been reported to be associated with E-cadherin loss or decreased expression, in both breast carcinomas and breast cancer cell lines. Aims and Methods: To investigate the expression and subcellular localisation of p120- and beta-catenin in a series of human invasive breast carcinomas, and correlate it with biological markers and clinicopathological parameters. Results: Both catenins frequently exhibited a reduced membranous or cytoplasmic staining pattern. These alterations were significantly correlated with lack of both E-cadherin and oestrogen receptor-alpha expression. It was possible to associate the expression of beta-catenin with histological grade, tumour size and nodal status, suggesting a relevant role for this catenin as a prognostic factor. The majority of E- and P-cadherin co-expressing tumours were related to cytoplasmic expression of p120-catenin; in this group of breast carcinomas, patient survival was poor. Conclusion: Results indicate that p120- catenin cytoplasmic accumulation may play an important role in mediating the oncogenic effects derived from P-cadherin aberrant expression, including enhanced motility and invasion, particularly in tumours which maintain E- cadherin expression.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7