RUNX genes expressions in breast cancer and fibroadenoma

Abstract

Aim: Many genes have been identified to control cell proliferation in human such as RUNX gene family. Mutations in these genes have been shown to be responsible for various cancer developments. Our aim in this study is to Investigate RUNX gene family expressions in breast cancer and breast fibroadenomas. Material and Method: All consecutive patients whose histopathological examination resulted in breast cancer, fibroadenoma, or normal breast tissue between the years 2012 and 2014 were included in the study. Total RNA from each sample was isolated with genomic RNA extraction sample and gene expressions of RUNX1, RUNX2, and RUNX3 were measured with real- time polymerase chain reaction. Gene expressions and patients' characteristics were evaluated among histopathological groups. Results: According to statistical analysis, RUNX1 and RUNX2 expressions were upregulated in fibroadenoma patients while only RUNX2 expression was found to be upregulated in breast cancer patients. RUNX1 was upregulated in patients with p53 mutation, whereas RUNX2 was upregulated in patients without p53 mutation. Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first study that evaluates RUNX1, RUNX2, and RUNX3 gene expressions in both benign and malignant breast disease. RUNX2 gene was significantly upregulated in patients with both breast cancer and fibroadenoma in our study. In contrast, however, upregulated, RUNX1 and RUNX3 gene upregulations in the breast cancer and fibroadenoma patients were not statistically significant. In our study, RUNX2 may be a good prognostic factor in contrast to its role in osteosarcoma or bone metastasis in breast and prostate cancer.