ONCOmmunity

Expression and Tissue Distribution of MicroRNA-21 in Malignant and Benign Breast Tissues.

By: Kelly A Hug, Lauren Anthony, Dalia Eldeiry, Jenna Benson, Elyse Wheeler, Shaker Mousa, Binshan Shi

Department of Health Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY, U.S.A. Department of Cytology, Samaritan Hospital, Troy, NY, U.S.A.
2015-5-31; doi:

Abstract

Background/aim

miR-21 is a common OncomiR in human cancer. The present study analyzed the distribution and expression of miR-21 in breast tumor tissues so as to examine the role of miR-21 in the carcinogenesis of breast cancer.

Materials

Sixteen malignant and 10 benign breast tissue specimens were analyzed using a miRNA chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) assay. The locations of miR-21 CISH-positive cells in breast tissues were observed and its expression level was semi-quantified by ISH scoring.

Results

Positive in situ staining of miR-21 was detected in the cytoplasm of malignant epithelial cells in most of the high-grade infiltrating ductal carcinoma specimens. miR-21-positive spindle-like cells were found to surround tumor cell islands. High miR-21 ISH scores were correlated with positive lymph node status. miR-21 expression was low in most types of benign breast tissues.

Conclusion

miR-21 is a potential biomarker for breast cancer prognosis.