Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau, alpha-Tubulin and betaIII-Tubulin Expression in Breast Cancer.
- Author:
Soyoung IM
1
;
Changyoung YOO
;
Ji Han JUNG
;
Ye Won JEON
;
Young Jin SUH
;
Youn Soo LEE
;
Hyun Joo CHOI
Author Information
1. Department of Hospital Pathology, St. Vincent's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Suwon, Korea. chj0103@catholic.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Tau proteins;
Tubulin;
Taxoids;
Breast neoplasms
- MeSH:
Breast Neoplasms*;
Breast*;
Disease Progression;
Drug Therapy;
Estrogens;
Humans;
Lymph Nodes;
Microtubules;
Neoplasm Metastasis;
Survival Rate;
tau Proteins;
Taxoids;
Tubulin*
- From:Korean Journal of Pathology
2013;47(6):534-540
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The microtubule-associated protein Tau binds to both inner and outer surfaces of microtubules, leading to tubulin assembly and microtubule stabilization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of Tau, alpha-tubulin, and betaIII-tubulin expression in breast carcinoma and to assess their relationships with disease progression in the context of taxane treatment. METHODS: Immunohistochemical expressions of Tau, alpha-tubulin, and betaIII-tubulin were assessed in 183 breast cancer cases. Expression was correlated with clinicopathologic parameters, disease progression and overall survival. RESULTS: Tau expression was correlated with lymph node metastasis and estrogen receptor (ER) positivity (p=.003 and p<.001, respectively). Loss of alpha-tubulin was significantly correlated with distant metastasis (p=.034). Loss of betaIII-tubulin was correlated with lymph node metastasis and ER positivity (p=.004 and p<.001, respectively). In taxane-treated cases, Tau expression and loss of alpha-tubulin and betaIII-tubulin expression were related to disease progression (p=.001, p=.028, and p=.030, respectively). Tau expression was associated with a worse survival rate in taxane-treated patients (p=.049). CONCLUSIONS: Tau expression and loss of alpha-tubulin and betaIII-tubulin expression were correlated with aggressive behavior in taxane-treated breast cancer. Further evaluation of Tau, alpha-tubulin and betaIII-tubulin may be useful in predicting clinical behavior and seeking therapeutic measures in taxane-based chemotherapy for breast cancer.
