Ubiquinol cytochrome c reductase (UQCRFS1) gene amplification in primary breast cancer core biopsy samples.
OBJECTIVE
The ubiquinol cytochrome c reductase UQCRFS1 is a key subunit of the cytochrome bc1 complex (complex III) of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the significance of the ubiquinol cytochrome c reductase UQCRFS1 gene amplification in primary breast cancers.


METHODS
Samples were obtained from image-guided core needle biopsies (CNB) in 40 patients with nontreated breast cancers. To examine UQCRFS1 gene amplification, we employed fluorescent in situ hybridization using BACs RP11-46I12 that harbors UQCRFS1 gene, RP11-110J19 that overlaps to RP11-46I12, and CA125 as a control gene. The amplification data were evaluated blindly of histopathological factors.


RESULTS
Amplification of UQCRFS1 gene was found in 5 of 39 specimens (12.8%). The specimens with amplified UQCRFS1 gene were associated with high grade of cancer cells (P = 0.005).


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the UQCRFS1 gene appears to be involved in development of more aggressive phenotype of breast cancer.
Ohashi
Yoko
Y
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29203, USA.
Kaneko
Saori J
SJ
Cupples
Tommy E
TE
Young
S Robert
SR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D044584:Carcinoma, Ductal / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D014450:Electron Transport Complex III / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005784:Gene Amplification; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged
D014450:Electron Transport Complex III