Genetic and epigenetic modification of mismatch repair genes hMSH2 and hMLH1 in sporadic breast cancer with microsatellite instability.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but its pathogenesis is still unclear. Microsatellite instability (MSI) has been identified in breast cancer cells, suggesting an association with mismatch repair defects. To test this hypothesis, we investigated MSI, protein expression of hMSH2 and hMLH1, as well as genetic and epigenetic modifications of these two genes in 32 sporadic breast tumors. MSI was identified in 15 cases. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that all MSI cases but one had lower than normal expression of hMSH2 (nine cases), hMLH1 (12 cases), or both (seven cases). In tumors with MSI, both genetic and epigenetic modifications of these mismatch repair genes were also identified. Eight cases harbored mutations or polymorphisms in hMSH2 and hMLH1, and 10 exhibited hypermethylation in the promoter region of hMLH1. These results suggest that both genetic and epigenetic alterations of hMSH2 and especially of hMLH1 contribute to genomic instability and tumorigenesis in sporadic breast cancer.
Murata
Hiroaki
H
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky, KY 40536, USA.
Khattar
Nada H
NH
Kang
Yuna
Y
Gu
Liya
L
Li
Guo-Min
GM
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D020137:Base Pair Mismatch; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D019175:DNA Methylation; D004260:DNA Repair / Q000235:genetics*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D000070957:MutL Protein Homolog 1; D051718:MutS Homolog 2 Protein; D009154:Mutation; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000235:genetics*
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C501486:MLH1 protein, human; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; C497172:MSH2 protein, human; D000070957:MutL Protein Homolog 1; D051718:MutS Homolog 2 Protein