Journal of Cell Science & Therapy
Open Access

ALDH1 negative/BRCA1 positive phenotype is associated with poor prognosis in invasive breast carcinomas

International Conference & Exhibition on Cell Science & Stem Cell Research

29 Nov - 1 Dec 2011 Philadelphia Airport Marriott, USA

Zahra Madjd, Mohsen Asadi Lari and Babak Ramezani

Posters: J Cell Sci Ther

Abstract :

Background: Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been described in a variety of malignancies including breast carcinomas. Among several markers aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) has been identifi ed as a reliable marker for breast cancer stem cells. Knockdown of BRCA1in primary breast epithelial cells leads to an increase in cells expressing ALDH1. Methods: We examined 127 breast carcinomas for expression of prospective CSC markers ALDH1 , using by immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathological parameters, also with the status of BRAC1 in breast carcinomas. Results: Cytoplasmic expression of ALDH1 was signifi cantly higher in aggressive tumours (p-value=0.023), whereas, no signifi cant association was detected between expression of ALDH1 and other prognostic factors. Comparing the results for both ALDH1 and BRCA1expression showed a signifi cant inverse association between expression of ALDH1 and BRCA, indicating that reduced BRCA1 was more oft en seen in breast cancer cells expressing ALDH1 (p- value= 0.044). Combining the results for these two markers, a total of 24/110 (22%) of tumours displayed the ALDH1 + / BRCA1 -/low phenotype, this occurring more frequently in higher grade tumors. (p-value= 0.042). Conclusion: Taken together, our fi nding suggests that increased ALDH1 was signifi cantly more frequent in aggressive tumours and signifi cantly correlated with reduced BRCA1 in breast carcinoma. Th erefore, ALDH1 positive (cancer stem) cells with mutated BRCA1 phenotype intended to be more aggressive and this may indicate a subset of patients for whom more aggressive adjuvant treatment appropriate.