Characterization of α-, β- and p120-Catenin Expression in Feline Mammary Tissues and their Relation with E- and P-Cadherin.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Abnormal catenin expression has been related to mammary carcinogenesis in both human and canine species and they are considered tumor- and invasion-suppressor molecules; however, in feline mammary tissues they have been scarcely studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The immunohistochemical expression of α-, β- and p120-catenin was studied in a series of normal feline mammary glands, hyperplastic/dysplastic lesions and benign and malignant mammary tumors. Their relationship with clinicopathological parameters and with E- and P-cadherin expression was assessed.

RESULTS:

Normal tissues, hyperplastic/dysplastic lesions and benign tumors expressed α-, β- and p120-catenin in the membrane of more than 75% of the luminal epithelial cells, while in malignant tumors, there was a reduction in their membranous expression and a p120-catenin cytoplasmic expression in 40%. Reduced α-catenin expression was related to tumor features with prognostic value, namely tumor size (p=0.0203) and necrosis (p=0.0205). The expression of α-, β- and p120-catenin were individually related to each other and collectively associated with E-cadherin expression.

CONCLUSION:

The results demonstrate a relationship between feline mammary carcinogenesis and decreased expression of catenins, suggesting that they may represent a valuable tool in the diagnosis of feline mammary neoplasms.

• Authors: Ana Catarina Figueira, Catarina Gomes, Hugo Vilhena, Sónia Miranda, Júlio Carvalheira, Augusto J F DE Matos, Patrícia Dias-Pereira, Fátima Gärtner
• Journal: Anticancer research (Anticancer Res) Vol. 35 Issue 6 Pg. 3361-9 (Jun 2015) ISSN: 1791-7530 [Electronic] Greece
• PMID: 26026096 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Biomarkers, Tumor
• Cadherins
• Catenins
• alpha Catenin
• beta Catenin
• Delta Catenin

Topics

• Animals
• Biomarkers, Tumor (biosynthesis)
• Breast Neoplasms (genetics, pathology, veterinary)
• Cadherins (biosynthesis)
• Carcinogenesis (genetics)
• Catenins (biosynthesis)
• Cats
• Female
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry
• Mammary Glands, Animal (metabolism, pathology)
• alpha Catenin (biosynthesis)
• beta Catenin (biosynthesis)
• Delta Catenin