A study on knowledge, attitude, and practice towards premarital carrier screening among adults attending primary healthcare centers in a region in Oman

Background

Despite that hereditary diseases are widespread among the Arab population due to high rates of consanguineous marriages, research regarding community awareness towards premarital carrier screening in some countries such as Oman, is extremely scarce. This study aimed to investigate knowledge and attitude towards premarital carrier screening (PMCS) in Oman.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire which was distributed to 400 Omani adults aged 20–35 who attended primary healthcare institutions at the South Batinah Governorate in Oman.

Results

The majority of the participants (84.5%) believed that PMCS was necessary, and about half of them (49.5%) supported the view of making PMCS compulsory. On the contrary, approximately one third (30.5%) of the participants reported that they were not in favor of taking the blood screening test. Overall, unwillingness to perform pre-marital testing was associated with female gender, younger age, being single, less education, and increased income.

Conclusion

Despite the relatively high level of knowledge, about one third of the participants were still reluctant to carry out premarital testing. Such attitude calls for immediate need for community-based campaigns to encourage the public to do premarital testing.

Decreased glutathione and elevated hair mercury levels are associated with nutritional deficiency-based autism in Oman

Genetic, nutrition, and environmental factors have each been implicated as sources of risk for autism. Oxidative stress, including low plasma levels of the antioxidant glutathione, has been reported by numerous autism studies, which can disrupt methylation-dependent epigenetic regulation of gene expression with neurodevelopmental consequences. We investigated the status of redox and methylation metabolites, as well as the level of protein homocysteinylation and hair mercury levels, in autistic and neurotypical control Omani children, who were previously shown to exhibit significant nutritional deficiencies in serum folate and vitamin B12. The serum level of glutathione in autistic subjects was significantly below control levels, while levels of homocysteine and S-adenosylhomocysteine were elevated, indicative of oxidative stress and decreased methionine synthase activity. Autistic males had lower glutathione and higher homocysteine levels than females, while homocysteinylation of serum proteins was increased in autistic males but not females. Mercury levels were markedly elevated in the hair of autistic subjects vs. control subjects, consistent with the importance of glutathione for its elimination. Thus, autism in Oman is associated with decreased antioxidant resources and decreased methylation capacity, in conjunction with elevated hair levels of mercury.

Unusual trichobezoar of the stomach and the intestine: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Trichobezoars are an infrequent form of bezoar found in the stomach or intestine, created from ingested hair. This condition has been well described in the surgical literature, but less reported in psychiatry.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe the case of an 18-year-old Middle Eastern Caucasian woman with trichotillomania who presented to our emergency department with a history of central abdominal pain associated with vomiting and constipation for five days. An examination showed a trichobezoar requiring emergent surgical intervention, and indicating the need for psychiatric treatment. The trichobezoar was treated successfully by laparotomy.

CONCLUSION

The medical and psychiatric sequelae of trichotillomania should not be underestimated, and early diagnosis and treatment is of utmost importance to save the patient's life and prevent recurrence. Although laparotomy is still considered an excellent option, pharmacotherapy and behavioral assessment play a useful role in patient management. Our case highlights the fundamental concept of a holistic approach rather than only treating the symptoms, by considering factors such as genetic influences to understand the disease.

A rare thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ) gene mutation in a 15-year-old girl with thyroid hormone resistance syndrome: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Resistance to thyroid hormone is a rare syndrome, where although the level of thyroid hormone is elevated, the level of thyroid stimulating hormone is not suppressed. The patient in our case report is, to the best of our knowledge, the first with this syndrome identified in Oman.

CASE PRESENTATION

In one Omani family, a 15-year-old girl of Arabian origin was pre-diagnosed with resistance to thyroid hormone. Blood sample was collected and deoxyribonucleic acid was isolated for molecular genetic testing. The results revealed a rare mutation A268G in the gene for thyroid hormone receptor beta. We believe that this mutation is the cause of the pathology in our patient.

CONCLUSION

We report the presence of a rare mutation in the thyroid hormone receptor beta gene for the first time in the Omani population. Due to the rates of consanguinity being high among the Omani population, we are aiming to screen our patient's family members and provide genetic counseling.

Abstract P6-04-16: TGF-b2, a novel target of CD44-promoted breast cancer invasion

Hyaluronan (HA) mediates communication between cancer cells and the environment via interactions with the cell surface receptor CD44. We have previously shown that CD44-HA interaction in BC cells promotes adhesion to bone marrow endothelial cells. This suggests that HA/CD44 signalling may be correlated with breast cancer (BC) metastasis. The long-term objective of this study is to increase our understanding of the mechanisms by which CD44-HA interaction promotes BC metastasis, and further identify and validate CD44-downstream transcriptional targets for anti-metastatic therapy.

Pursuant to this goal, we have developed a tetracycline (tet)-regulated expression of CD44 gene in the BC cell line MCF-7 (B5 clone) and identified TGF-beta2 (Transforming Growth Factor beta-2; 3 fold induction) as a potential CD44s-downstream transcriptional target by microarray analysis. To further validate this finding, the same RNA samples, used for microarray analysis and their corresponding protein lysates collected from the BC cell line MCF-7-B5, were examined for CD44 expression in the presence of HA for 18, 24, and 48 hr post-tet withdrawal. Expression of TGF-beta 2 was examined using RT-PCR and western-Blot analyses.

Our results showed that TGF-beta2 mRNA levels were significantly elevated following the removal of tet at 18, 24, and 48 h post-HA stimulation compared to the parental cells. Furthermore, the TGF-beta2 precursor protein increased in a time-dependent pattern upon HA-stimulation and in the absence of tet. More interestingly, inhibition of CD44 gene by RNAi method decreased TGF-beta2 expression upon HA-stimulation and in the absence of tet.

Our data strongly support the hypothesis that TGF-beta2 is a potential target of HA/CD44- downstream-signaling mediating BC cell invasion. Ongoing investigation aims to elucidate the signal transduction pathways coupling CD44 to the regulation of TGF-beta2 expression, and further validate CD44/TGF-beta2 axes in breast tumor invasion and metastasis.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P6-04-16.

Simultaneous inhibition of cell-cycle, proliferation, survival, metastatic pathways and induction of apoptosis in breast cancer cells by a phytochemical super-cocktail: genes that underpin its mode of action

Traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer treatment face serious challenges such as drug resistance and toxic side effects. Complementary / Alternative medicine is increasingly being practiced worldwide due to its safety beneficial therapeutic effects. We hypothesized that a super combination (SC) of known phytochemicals used at bioavailable levels could induce 100% killing of breast cancer (BC) cells without toxic effects on normal cells and that microarray analysis would identify potential genes for targeted therapy of BC. Mesenchymal Stems cells (MSC, control) and two BC cell lines were treated with six well established pro-apoptotic phytochemicals individually and in combination (super cocktail), at bioavailable levels. The compounds were ineffective individually. In combination, they significantly suppressed BC cell proliferation (>80%), inhibited migration and invasion, caused cell cycle arrest and induced apoptosis resulting in 100% cell death. However, there were no deleterious effects on MSC cells used as control. Furthermore, the SC down-regulated the expression of PCNA, Rb, CDK4, BcL-2, SVV, and CD44 (metastasis inducing stem cell factor) in the BC cell lines. Microarray analysis revealed several differentially expressed key genes (PCNA, Rb, CDK4, Bcl-2, SVV, P53 and CD44) underpinning SC-promoted BC cell death and motility. Four unique genes were highly up-regulated (ARC, GADD45B, MYLIP and CDKN1C). This investigation indicates the potential for development of a highly effective phytochemical combination for breast cancer chemoprevention / chemotherapy. The novel over-expressed genes hold the potential for development as markers to follow efficacy of therapy.

Variation in socio-economic burden for caring of children with autism spectrum disorder in Oman: caregiver perspectives

A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate whether caregiver's variations in socioeconomic status (SES) has direct bearing on challenges of nurturing children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Oman. A cadre of caregivers (n = 150) from two types of SES (low-income and middle-high income) were compared based on four domains: (1) accessing and perception of remedial services, (2) utilization and perception of psychiatric services, (3) constraints for being a caregiver of children with ASD and (4) financial expenses of taking care of children with ASD. There is little indication that any particular SES fare well on these domains. Factors to mitigate such predicaments are therefore imperative in order to improve quality of life for caregivers among children with ASD.

TGF-β2: A Novel Target of CD44-Promoted Breast Cancer Invasion

We have developed a tetracycline (tet)-off regulated expression of CD44s gene in the breast cancer (BC) cell line MCF-7 (B5 clone) and identified TGF-β2 (Transforming Growth Factor beta-2; 3 fold induction) as a potential CD44-downstream transcriptional target by microarray analysis. To further validate this finding, the same RNA samples, used for microarray analysis and their corresponding protein lysates, collected from the BC cell line MCF-7-B5, were examined for CD44 expression in the presence of HA. Our results showed that TGF-β2 mRNA levels were significantly elevated following the removal of tetracycline at 18, 24, and 48 h post-HA stimulation compared to the parental cells. Furthermore, the TGF-β2 precursor protein increased in a time-dependent pattern upon HA-stimulation and in the absence of tetracycline. More interestingly, inhibition of CD44 gene by RNAi method decreased TGF-β2 expression upon HA-stimulation, and subsequently inhibited BC cell invasion in vitro. In addition to identifying TGF-β2 as a target for HA/CD44 signaling, this data suggests that ATF/CREB might be a potential transcription factor linking HA/CD44 activation to TGF-β2 transcription and additional experiments are required for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning the novel function of the CD44/ TGF-β2 signaling pathway in breast cancer metastasis.

Impact of nutrition on serum levels of docosahexaenoic acid among Omani children with autism

OBJECTIVES

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder of early childhood. Dietary supplementation of the ω-3 fatty acid (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) during prenatal and postnatal life is considered a protective dietary intervention strategy to minimize the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To our knowledge, no relevant studies have been conducted in the Middle East investigating the status of DHA among children with autism during early childhood. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels and dietary intake status of DHA among Omani children recently diagnosed with ASD.

METHODS

The present case-control study involved 80 Omani children (<5 y), 40 cases and 40 controls matched for age and sex. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake of all the participants, while serum levels of DHA were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

Our results showed that children with ASD had lower dietary consumption of foodstuff containing DHA, as well as lower serum levels of DHA than controls.

CONCLUSION

The present finding from Oman supports the view of other studies that there are low serum levels of DHA among children with ASD.

Abstract 4384: Discovery of CD146/Latexin as a novel pathway suppressing breast tumor invasion

CD146, also known as melanoma cell adhesion molecule or MUC18, was initially identified as a promoter of melanoma as well as prostate cancer progression and metastasis. Interestingly, however, CD146 appears to be a breast cancer (BC) tumor suppressor. The molecular mechanism of CD146 in cancer are still nascent and controversial. To address this discrepancy, we applied microarray gene expression profiling analysis, using a tetracycline (tet On)-inducible system of CD146 in the MDA-MB-231 BC cell line, and identified latexin (LXN) as a potential CD146-downstream signaling transcriptional target. LXN showed a 7 fold increase, which was confirmed in vitro by both time-course western blotting and RT-PCR analyses. In addition, NF-kappaB was identified as the molecular link between CD146 induction and LXN transactivation.

More interestingly, we established the CD146-tet On inducible system in mouse BC xenograft model, and demonstrated that in vivo induction of CD146-inhibited breast tumor growth. Furthermore, breast tumor tissues from both Omani patients and patients from New Orleans area in Louisiana, were examined by immunohistochemistry for the expression of CD146 and LXN. Strikingly, the results revealed that the expression levels of both CD146 and its downstream target LXN showed parallel inhibition patterns in BC progression, with high expression in both normal and benign but low or no expression in malignant and metastatic breast tumor tissues.

This study is the first to uncover a molecular link and provide evidence for a role of CD146/LXN-signaling in suppressing BC progression. Thus, reactivation of LXN through pharmacological manipulation holds particular promise for guiding the development of novel targeted-therapeutic strategies for BC.

Citation Format: Allal Ouhtit, Zakariya Y. Abd Elmageed, Augusta Fernando, Rajiv Gaur, Ishita Gupta, Somya Shanmuganathan, Hamad Al-Riyami, Madhwa HG Raj. Discovery of CD146/Latexin as a novel pathway suppressing breast tumor invasion. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4384. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4384

Abstract 2806: CD146, a suppressor of breast cancer, is a novel target of CD44-signaling

Cancer cell invasion and metastasis is the worst aspect of cancer, and disruption in the cell adhesion molecules (CAM) represents the initiating event in tumor cell invasion. While the hyaluronan receptor CD44 promotes breast cancer (BC) metastasis, CD146 is a melanoma CAM that appears to suppress BC (although it promotes other cancers). In addition, the molecular mechanism by which CD146 suppresses BC is still unclear. To shed light on this discrepancy, we initially used subtractive hybridization combined with northern blotting, and identified CD146 as a potential downstream target of CD44-signaling in the MDA-435 BC cell line. Here, we provide both structural and functional evidence indicating that CD146 is a downstream target for CD44, in a way that CD146 expression is regulated according to tumor microenvironment. Finally, this study demonstrates a new role for CD44 in regulating neovascularization and promoting cancer cell transmigration of blood vessels via CD146.

Citation Format: Allal Ouhtit, Mohamed E. Abdraboh, Andrew D. Hollenbach, Ishita Gupta, Somya Shanmuganathan, Madhwa HG Raj. CD146, a suppressor of breast cancer, is a novel target of CD44-signaling. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2806. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2806

Abstract A71: CD146 is a novel target of CD44-signaling mediating breast tumor invasion

Cancer cell metastasis is one of the most critical steps in tumor development and is responsible for more than 80% of cancer related deaths. The cell adhesion molecule CD44 promotes cancer cell motility and metastasis. Despite this knowledge, the molecular mechanism through which CD44 promotes tumor development and cell metastasis is still unclear. The CD146 (MUC 18), another member of the cell adhesion molecules family, first identified in highly metastatic melanomas. The absence of CD146 in normal melanocytes and its high expression in melanomas suggests its tumor promoting actions. However, CD146 appears to suppress breast tumor progression. Furthermore, despite the association between CD146 expression and development of melanoma, the expression patterns and the role of CD146 in normal and metastatic breast tissues are still controversial. In a pilot study, we have identified CD146 as a potential downstream target of CD44-signaling in the MDA-435 breast cancer cell line, using subtractive hybridization and northern blot analyses. In this paper we provide evidence that CD146 is a downstream target for CD44, in a way that CD146 expression is regulated according to tumor microenvironment. Finally, this study demonstrates a new role for CD44 in regulating neovascularization and promoting cancer cell transmigration of blood vessels via CD146.

Citation Format: Allal Ouhtit, Mohamed Abdraboh, Andrew D. Hollenbach, Ishita Gupta, Somya Shanmuganathan, Hamad Al Riyami, Youssef Errami, Yahya Al Farsi, Madhwa HG Raj. CD146 is a novel target of CD44-signaling mediating breast tumor invasion. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Invasion and Metastasis; Jan 20-23, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A71.

Abstract A72: TGF-β2 underpins CD44-promoted breast tumor cell invasion

Hyaluronan (HA) mediates communication between cancer cells and the environment via interactions with the cell surface receptor CD44. The long-term objective of this study is to increase our understanding of the mechanisms by which CD44-HA interaction promotes BC metastasis, and further identify and validate CD44-downstream transcriptional targets for anti-metastatic therapy. Here, we have developed a tetracycline (tet)-regulated expression of CD44 gene in the BC cell line MCF-7 (B5 clone) and identified TGF-beta2 (Transforming Growth Factor beta-2; 3 fold induction) as a potential CD44s-downstream transcriptional target by microarray analysis. The same RNA samples, used for microarray analysis and their corresponding protein lysates, were examined for CD44 expression by RT-PCR and western-Blot methods, respectively. TGF-beta2 mRNA levels were significantly elevated following the removal of tet at 18, 24, and 48 h post-HA stimulation compared to controls. Furthermore, the TGF-beta2 precursor protein increased in a time-dependent pattern upon HA-stimulation and in the absence of tet. Inhibition of CD44 gene by RNAi method decreased TGF-beta2 expression upon HA-stimulation and in the absence of tet. Our data put together strongly support the hypothesis that TGF-beta2 is a potential target of HA/CD44-downstream-signaling mediating BC cell invasion. Finally, CREB might be the transcription factor linking CD44 to TGF-beta2 transcription.

Citation Format: Allal Ouhtit, Samineh Madani, Ishita Gupta, Somya Shanmuganathan, Hamad Al-Riyami, Yahya Al-Farsi. TGF-β2 underpins CD44-promoted breast tumor cell invasion. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Invasion and Metastasis; Jan 20-23, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A72.

Levels of heavy metals and essential minerals in hair samples of children with autism in Oman: a case-control study

Toxic levels of heavy metals and low levels of essential minerals have been suggested to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study documents the levels of heavy metals and essential minerals in hair samples of children with ASD in Muscat, the urbanized capital of Oman, Muscat. The study included 27 children with ASD and 27 matched non-ASD controls. Parental interviews were held and dietary intake questionnaires completed in conjunction with the collection of hair samples. Analysis of heavy metals and essential minerals was carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Chi-square analysis and non-parametric Fisher's exact tests were used to assess statistical significance. Children with ASD had significantly higher levels of all 11 analyzed heavy metals in their hair samples (P < 0.05), ranging from 150 to 365 % of control levels. ASD children also had significantly higher levels of essential minerals sulfur, sodium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron, but lower levels of calcium and copper in their hair samples. This study corroborates data from previous studies in different parts of the world indicating the presence of elevated levels of heavy metals and selective depletion of essential minerals in the hair of children with ASD.

Abstract A73: In vivo evidence of TIMPv as a potential target of CD146-signaling inhibiting breast tumor invasion

CD146, also known as melanoma cell adhesion molecule (Mel-CAM, MCAM) or MUC18, was initially identified as a marker of melanoma progression and a promoter of melanoma and prostate cancer (PC) metastasis. In contrast, CD146 appears to play a tumor suppression role in breast cancer (BC). Here, we applied microarray gene expression profiling analysis, using a tetracycline (tet On)-inducible system of CD146 in the MDA-MB-231 BC cell line, and we identified TIMPv (a variant of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases), showing a 7 fold increase, as a potential CD146-downstream signaling transcriptional target; this was confirmed in vitro by both time-course western blotting and RT-PCR. Furthermore, breast tumor tissues from both Omani patients and patients from New Orleans area in Louisiana, were examined by immunohistochemistry for the expression of CD146 and TIMPv. Strikingly, the results revealed that the expression levels of both CD146 and its downstream target TIMPv showed parallel inhibition patterns in BC progression, with high expression in normal and benign but low or no expression in malignant and metastatic breast tumor tissue. These findings support the hypothesis that the expression of both, CD146 and its downstream target TIMPv, is lost during BC progression and metastasis. Ongoing studies in our laboratory aim to shed light on the molecular components linking CD146 to the activation of TIMPv transcription.

Citation Format: Allal Ouhtit, Zakariya Y. Abd Elmageed, Sunil Bhat, Pravrutha Raman, Suad H. Al-Jardani, Ishita Gupta, Somya Shanmuganathan, Hamad Al-Riyami. In vivo evidence of TIMPv as a potential target of CD146-signaling inhibiting breast tumor invasion. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Invasion and Metastasis; Jan 20-23, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A73.

Abstract P4-06-16: TGF-β2, A Novel Target of CD44-Promoted Breast Cancer Invasion

Background: Hyaluronan (HA) mediates communication between cancer cells and the environment via interactions with the cell surface receptor CD44. We have previously shown that CD44-HA interaction in BC cells promotes adhesion to bone marrow endothelial cells. This suggests that HA/CD44 signalling may be correlated with breast cancer (BC) metastasis. The long-term objective of this study is to increase our understanding of the mechanisms by which CD44-HA interaction promotes BC metastasis, and further identify and validate CD44-downstream transcriptional targets for anti-metastatic therapy.

Materials & Methods: Pursuant to this goal, we have developed a tetracycline (tet)-regulated expression of CD44 gene in the BC cell line MCF-7 (B5 clone) and identified TGF-β2 (Transforming Growth Factor beta-2; 3 fold induction) as a potential CD44s-downstream transcriptional target by microarray analysis. To further validate this finding, the same RNA samples, used for microarray analysis and their corresponding protein lysates collected from the BC cell line MCF-7-B5, were examined for CD44 expression in the presence of HA for 18, 24, and 48 hr post-tet withdrawal. Expression of TGF-β2 was examined using RT-PCR and western-Blot analyses.

Results: Our results showed that TGF-β2 mRNA levels were significantly elevated following the removal of tet at 18, 24, and 48 h post-HA stimulation compared to the parental cells. Furthermore, the TGF-β2 precursor protein increased in a time-dependent pattern upon HA-stimulation and in the absence of tet. More interestingly, inhibition of CD44 gene by RNAi method decreased TGF-β2 expression upon HA-stimulation and in the absence of tet.

Conclusion: Our data strongly support the hypothesis that TGF-β2 is a potential target of HA/CD44- downstream-signaling mediating BC cell invasion. Ongoing investigation aims to elucidate the signal transduction pathways coupling CD44 to the regulation of TGF-β2 expression, and further validate CD44/TGF-β2 axes in breast tumor invasion and metastasis.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-06-16.

Abstract P4-06-14: CD146-suppresses breast tumor invasion via a novel transcription target TIMPv

The function of the cell adhesion receptor CD146, a recently discovered marker of endothelial cells and a tumor promoter of melanoma and other cancers, is controversial in breast cancer (BC). However several lines of evidence supports its role as a tumor suppressor in BC. Further, the molecular mechanisms underpinning this suppression are unknown, neither has the ligand for CD146 been identified. Using a novel validated Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (EGFP)-inducible systems of CD146 expression both in vitro and in vivo, we provide here molecular and functional evidence of CD146 and its novel transcriptional target TIMPv (a variant of tissue inhibitor of metallo-proteinases) in underpinning the suppression of BC invasion.

Tetracycline (tet-on) CD146 system was developed in both MCF-7 and MDA-231 BC founder cell lines, and validated using time course RT-PCR and western blot analyses, and fluorescent microscopy. In functional experiments, induction of CD146 inhibited BC cell migration and invasion. TIMPv, the only endogenous protein inhibitor known for metallocarboxypeptidases, was identified by expression profiling as a novel transcriptional target of CD146-signaling, an association validated by quantitative PCR and immunoblotting experiments in a range of breast and melanoma cancer cells. However, siRNA inhibition of CD146 in the SKMel-28 melanoma cell line increased TIMPv expression, suggesting that while TIMPv is a positive transcriptional target of CD146 in BC cells, it is negatively regulated in melanoma cells. Furthermore, using invasion assay, the functional relevance of TIMPv to CD146-suppressed metastasis was demonstrated by selective suppression of TIMPv in CD146-expressing BC inducible cells using RNAi. More interestingly, induction of CD146 expression in vivo, using the tet-on CD146 expression system in BC Xenograft model resulted in suppression of breast tumor growth. Further, Clinical analysis of breast tissue samples by Immunohistochemistry showed that TIMPv expression patterns paralleled those of CD44s during breast tumor progression. Pharmacological and molecular approaches revealed that the activation of NFκB via Akt pathway couples CD146 to the transcription of TIMPv in BC cells.

Our study is the first report to provide a functional molecular link of a novel transcriptional target of CD146, TIMPv, to cancer via a unique axis that underpin CD146-suppressed BC progression; TIMPv is a potential target for guiding the development of novel therapeutic strategies for BC.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-06-14.