Alterations in the cadherin-catenin cell-cell adhesion system are associated with loss of differentiation and tumor formation, increased invasiveness, metastasis, and unfavorable prognosis for patients with breast carcinoma.
Cell lines:
Tumors:
- Protein expression of p53,
bcl-2, p21,
cyclin D1,
E-cadherin, alpha-catenin,
beta-catenin, and gamma-catenin was investigated in both primary tumours and metastatic lesions from 34 breast cancer patients by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using monoclonal antibodies. Metastatic tissue showed a different expression profile from the primary tumour in most patients. The most significant finding was the re-expression of
E-cadherin, alpha-catenin, and
beta-catenin, and increased down-regulation of gamma-catenin, in metastatic lesions (Bukholm I.K. et al., 2000).
Bukholm I.K. et al. (2000) Re-expression of
E-cadherin, alpha-catenin and
beta-catenin, but not of gamma-catenin, in metastatic tissue from breast cancer patients. J. Pathol. 190, 15-19.
