Gender-associated expression of tumor markers and a small gene set in breast carcinoma

Breast. 2014 Jun;23(3):226-33. doi: 10.1016/j.breast.2014.02.007. Epub 2014 Mar 21.

Abstract

Breast carcinomas in both genders share pathological features, although differences in incidence, prognosis and survival are reported. Expression of 33 genes was investigated in male and female breast carcinomas in association with ER, PR, HER-2/neu and EGF-receptor. Among 98 male breast cancers, 82 were ER+ and 78 were PR+. ER and PR protein levels were greater in males compared to females, although no differences were observed in ESR1 and PGR expression. A difference was observed in binding affinities of PR but not ER between genders. No differences were observed in HER-2/neu, EGFR protein, or patient age. Expression of NAT1, TBC1D9, IL6ST, RABEP1, PLK1 and LRBA was elevated in carcinomas of males compared to those of females, in which ER status appeared to be related to expression. Over-expression of protein products of these genes represents novel molecular targets for development of gender-specific therapeutics and companion diagnostics.

Keywords: Estrogen receptor; Male breast cancer; Progestin receptor.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Biopsy
  • Breast Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Breast Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Cathepsin D / genetics*
  • Cytokine Receptor gp130
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Isoenzymes
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peptide Fragments / genetics*
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / genetics*
  • Receptors, Estrogen / genetics*
  • Receptors, Progesterone / genetics*
  • Sex Factors
  • Vesicular Transport Proteins

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • HER2-neu-derived peptide (654-662)
  • IL6ST protein, human
  • Isoenzymes
  • Peptide Fragments
  • RABEP1 protein, human
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Receptors, Progesterone
  • Vesicular Transport Proteins
  • Cytokine Receptor gp130
  • Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase
  • N-acetyltransferase 1
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Receptor, ErbB-2
  • Cathepsin D