Subcellular localization of YKL-40 in normal and malignant epithelial cells of the breast.
YKL-40 is a new prognostic biomarker in cancer. The biological function is only poorly understood. This study aimed at determining the subcellular localization of YKL-40, using immunogold labeling, in normal epithelial cells and in malignant tumor cells of the breast by immunoelectron microscopy. YKL-40 protein expression was redistributed in carcinoma versus normal glandular tissue of the breast. A reduced expression of YKL-40 in relation to intermediate filaments and desmosomes was found in tumor cells. Changes in YKL-40 expression suggest that the function of YKL-40 in cells of epithelial origin may be related to cell motility and cell-cell adhesion, features associated with invasion and migration potential of tumor cells.
Department of Oncology, Herlev University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. anne.roslind@dadlnet.dk
Anne
A
Roslind
Eva
E
Balslev
Hanne
H
Kruse
Bente
B
Staergaard
Thomas
T
Horn
D054392:Adipokines; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D001940:Breast / Q000378:metabolism*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000071451:Chitinase-3-Like Protein 1; D003896:Desmosomes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D037102:Lectins; D016253:Microscopy, Immunoelectron
D054392:Adipokines; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; C084533:CHI3L1 protein, human; D000071451:Chitinase-3-Like Protein 1; D006023:Glycoproteins; D037102:Lectins