Functional proteomics outlines the complexity of breast cancer molecular subtypes

Sci Rep. 2017 Aug 30;7(1):10100. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-10493-w.

Abstract

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease comprising a variety of entities with various genetic backgrounds. Estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative tumors typically have a favorable outcome; however, some patients eventually relapse, which suggests some heterogeneity within this category. In the present study, we used proteomics and miRNA profiling techniques to characterize a set of 102 either estrogen receptor-positive (ER+)/progesterone receptor-positive (PR+) or triple-negative formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded breast tumors. Protein expression-based probabilistic graphical models and flux balance analyses revealed that some ER+/PR+ samples had a protein expression profile similar to that of triple-negative samples and had a clinical outcome similar to those with triple-negative disease. This probabilistic graphical model-based classification had prognostic value in patients with luminal A breast cancer. This prognostic information was independent of that provided by standard genomic tests for breast cancer, such as MammaPrint, OncoType Dx and the 8-gene Score.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / classification
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • Phenotype
  • Prognosis
  • Proteomics*
  • Receptors, Estrogen / genetics
  • Receptors, Progesterone / genetics
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Receptors, Progesterone