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Reduced metastasis-suppressor gene mRNA-expression in breast cancer brain metastases

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Abstract

Purpose

Brain metastases are an increasingly common complication in breast cancer patients. The Metastasis Suppressor Genes (MSG) Nm23, KISS1, KAI1, BRMS1, and Mkk4 have been associated with the metastatic potential of breast cancer in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

The mRNA expression of Nm23, KISS1, KAI1, BRMS1, and Mkk4 in fresh frozen tissue samples of brain metastases from ductal invasive breast cancer specimens was examined in relation to primary tumors. In a first step, mRNA expression screening was carried out using a semi-quantitative RT-PCR approach, in a second step quantitative real-time RT-PCR was performed on selected specimens. By immunohistochemical staining, gene products were visualized on the protein level.

Results

Semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed reduced mRNA expression of Nm23, KISS1, KAI1, BRMS, and Mkk4 in brain metastases. Results for KISS1, KAI1, BRMS, and Mkk4 were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR. In detail, mRNA expression reduction in breast cancer brain metastases was tenfold. Expression of MSG could be confirmed by immunohistochemical staining on protein level.

Conclusions

Our investigations revealed significantly reduced mRNA expression of metastases suppressor genes KISS1, KAI1, BRMS1, and Mkk4 in breast cancer brain metastasis. Particularly, in the case of KISS1 and Mkk4, an important role for future treatment of patients with breast cancer brain metastatic lesions can be assumed.

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Acknowledgement

We are indebted to Frank Rösel, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Schleswig-Holstein Medical Center, Campus Kiel for the handling of tumor specimen. We also thank Brigitte Rehmke, Neurosurgical Research Laboratories, Dept. of Neurosurgery, University of Schleswig-Holstein Medical Center, Campus Kiel, for her technical assistance

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Correspondence to Janka Held-Feindt.

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Stark, A.M., Tongers, K., Maass, N. et al. Reduced metastasis-suppressor gene mRNA-expression in breast cancer brain metastases. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 131, 191–198 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-004-0629-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-004-0629-9

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