Study of RANKL Expression in Metastatic Breast Carcinoma
Abstract
Bone is the most common site of metastases by human breast cancer. Most breast cancers form osteolytic metastases, in contrast to tumors such as prostate cancer that form osteosclerotic metastases. Although some evidence suggests that formation of bone metastases by breast cancer cells is mediated by the increased osteoclastogenesis at the target site, a clear controversy exists whether formation of bone metastases is mediated by breast cancer cells directly or by stimulated osteoclasts. We have therefore examined the expression of RANK and RANKL, two proteins importing the bone remodeling signaling pathway, in invasive carcinoma of breast and bone metastases of breast. We observed both RANK and RANKL were upregulated in these breast tumors and metastases. Further, breast tumor cells were directly in contact with the bone without any osteoclasts in the vicinity. We suggest that overexpression of RANK and RANKL in breast cancer cells provides a growth advantage to the breast tumor cells, and the tumor cells appear to be directly responsible for the degradation of bone.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA405313
Entities
People
- Pardeep Bhatia
Organizations
- University of Connecticut Health Center