title: Quantum dots-based double-color imaging of HER2 positive breast cancer invasion.
abstract: It has been well recognized that human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) level in breast cancer (BC) is closely related to the malignant biologic behaviors of the tumor, including invasion and metastasis. Yet, there has been a lack of directly observable evidence to support such notion. Here we report a quantum dots (QDs)-based double-color imaging technique to simultaneously show the HER2 level on BC cells and the type IV collagen in the tumor matrix. In benign breast tumor, the type IV collagen was intact. With the increasing of HER2 expression level, there has been a progressive decrease in type IV collagen around the cancer nest. At HER2 (3+) expression level, there has virtually been a total destruction of type IV collagen. Moreover, HER2 (3+) BC cells also show direct invasion into the blood vessels. This novel imaging method provides direct observable evidence to support the theory that the HER2 expression level is directly related to BC invasion.
authors: Department of Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430071, PR China. usually.158@163.com
authors: Xiu-Li
authors: XL
authors: Liu
authors: Chun-Wei
authors: CW
authors: Peng
authors: Chuang
authors: C
authors: Chen
authors: Xue-Qin
authors: XQ
authors: Yang
authors: Ming-Bai
authors: MB
authors: Hu
authors: He-Shun
authors: HS
authors: Xia
authors: Shao-Ping
authors: SP
authors: Liu
authors: Dai-Wen
authors: DW
authors: Pang
authors: Yan
authors: Y
authors: Li