title: Annexin A3 is associated with a poor prognosis in breast cancer and participates in the modulation of apoptosis in vitro by affecting the Bcl-2/Bax balance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Annexins are a family of intracellular proteins that bind membrane phospholipids in a Ca(2+) concentration-dependent manner. Several annexins play important roles during tumor progression. However, little is known about the clinical implications and biological functions of Annexin A3 in breast cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using immunohistochemistry, we analyzed 60 breast cancers for the levels of annexin A3 and investigated the correlation of its expression change with patient's survival via Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Furthermore, via knockdown of Annexin A3 expression in breast cancer cells with special siRNA, the role of Annexin A3 in the proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells was examined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Annexin A3 was expressed at higher level in breast cancer than that in normal breast tissue. The expression of Annexin A3 in human breast carcinoma closely correlated with tumor size and axillary lymph node metastasis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a significant inverse correlation between strong Annexin A3 expression and overall patient survival. Moreover, Annexin A3 overexpression was inversely associated with Bax staining and the apoptosis index. Annexin A3 small interfering RNA in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435 could inhibit cell proliferation, decrease Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression, and increase Bax mRNA and protein expression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings indicated that Annexin A3 might be a novel and potential prognostic marker for patients with breast cancer and be involved in regulating apoptosis by affecting Bcl-2/Bax balance.
authors: Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical College, Dongguan, China. zengchaosysu@yahoo.com.cn
authors: Chao
authors: C
authors: Zeng
authors: Zunfu
authors: Z
authors: Ke
authors: Yulan
authors: Y
authors: Song
authors: Yunhong
authors: Y
authors: Yao
authors: Xinrong
authors: X
authors: Hu
authors: Miao
authors: M
authors: Zhang
authors: Hongmei
authors: H
authors: Li
authors: Jinbao
authors: J
authors: Yin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017318:Annexin A3 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D005260:Female; D055785:Gene Knockdown Techniques; D006801:Humans; D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: C494826:BAX protein, human; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein; D017318:Annexin A3
keywords: Annexin A3; Apoptosis; Bcl-2/Bax balance; Breast cancer; Prognosis