The neu-oncogene: more than a prognostic indicator?
Overexpression of the neu-protein, evidenced as membrane staining by immunohistochemistry, is detected in approximately 20% of invasive duct cell carcinomas, in approximately 50% of in situ duct cell carcinomas, and in almost 100% of cases of Paget's disease. Apart from a growth stimulatory effect, the molecule plays an important role in cell motility of tumor cells by the activity of a motility factor, which acts as a specific ligand for the neu-protein. The motility factor induces chemotaxis of neu-overexpressing breast cancer cells. The motility function of the neu-protein may lead to an increased metastatic potential of neu-overexpressing breast tumors. Also in Paget's disease of the breast, a motility factor secreted by epidermal keratinocytes attracts the neu-overexpressing Paget's cells by chemotaxis and leads to invasion of the epidermis by the tumor cells.
De Potter
C R
CR
N. Goormaghtigh Institute of Pathology, University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D002465:Cell Movement; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D010144:Paget's Disease, Mammary / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases