Histopathological and in vivo evidence of regucalcin as a protective molecule in mammary gland carcinogenesis

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Marques, R (Author) Other; Vaz, CV (Author) Other; Maia, CJ (Author) Other; Gomes, M (Author) Other; Gama, A (Author) Other; Alves, G (Author) Other; Santos, CR (Author) Other; Fernando Schmitt (Author) FMUP; Socorro, S (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Experimental Cell Research

Vol. 330

Pages: 325-335

ISSN: 0014-4827

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 13 Citations

Scopus - 16 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00A-350

DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2014.08.007

Abstract (EN): Regucalcin (RGN) is a calcium-binding protein, which has been shown to be underexpressed in cancer cases. This study aimed to determine the association of RGN expression with clinicopathological parameters of human breast cancer. In addition, the role of RGN in malignancy of mammary gland using transgenic rats overexpressing the protein (Tg-RGN) was investigated. Wild-type (Wt) and Tg-RGN rats were treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[alpha]anthracene (DMBA). Carcinogen-induced tumors were histologically classified and the Ki67 proliferation index was estimated. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that RGN immunoreactivity was negatively correlated with the histological grade of breast infiltrating ductal carcinoma suggesting that progression of breast cancer is associated with loss of RGN. Tg-RGN rats displayed lower incidence of carcinogen-induced mammary gland tumors, as well as lower incidence of invasive forms. Moreover, higher proliferation was observed in non-invasive tumors of Wt animals comparatively with Tg-RGN. Overexpression of RGN was associated with diminished expression of cell-cycle inhibitors and increased expression of apoptosis inducers. Augmented activity of apoptosis effector caspase-3 was found in the mammary gland of Tg-RGN. RGN overexpression protected from carcinogen-induced mammary gland tumor development and was linked with reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis. These findings indicated the protective role of RGN in the carcinogenesis of mammary gland.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11