Abstract | INTRODUCTION: METHODS: In this study we performed a detailed analysis of TLR and co-receptor expression pattern and function in breast cancer. Expression patterns were examined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) on three estrogen receptor-positive (ER(+)) and four estrogen receptor/ progesterone receptor-negative (ER(-)/PR(-); ER/PR-negative) breast cancer cell lines, and a breast cancer cohort consisting of 144 primary breast cancer samples. The function was investigated using in vitro assays comprising PAMP/DAMP-stimulation, downstream signaling and TLR-silencing experiments. RESULTS: We found that TLR4 was expressed in a biologically active form and responded to both PAMPs and DAMPs primarily in ER/PR-negative breast cancers. Stimulation of TLR2/4 in vitro induced expression of pro-inflammatory genes and a gene expression analysis of primary breast cancers showed a strong correlation between TLR4 expression and expression of pro-inflammatory mediators. In line with this, TLR4 protein expression correlated with a decreased survival. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that TLR4 is expressed in a functional form in ER/PR-negative breast cancers. Studies regarding TLR4-antagonist therapies should be focusing on ER/PR-negative breast cancer particularly.
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Authors | Meliha Mehmeti, Roni Allaoui, Caroline Bergenfelz, Lao H Saal, Stephen P Ethier, Martin E Johansson, Karin Jirström, Karin Leandersson |
Journal | Breast cancer research : BCR
(Breast Cancer Res)
Vol. 17
Pg. 130
(Sep 22 2015)
ISSN: 1465-542X [Electronic] England |
PMID | 26392082
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- NF-kappa B
- Receptors, Estrogen
- Receptors, Progesterone
- TLR2 protein, human
- TLR4 protein, human
- Toll-Like Receptor 2
- Toll-Like Receptor 4
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Topics |
- Breast Neoplasms
(genetics)
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Female
- Gene Expression
(genetics)
- Humans
- MCF-7 Cells
- NF-kappa B
(genetics)
- Receptors, Estrogen
(genetics)
- Receptors, Progesterone
(genetics)
- Signal Transduction
(genetics)
- Toll-Like Receptor 2
(genetics)
- Toll-Like Receptor 4
(genetics)
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