Is there an association between enhanced choline and β-catenin pathway in breast cancer? A pilot study by MR Spectroscopy and ELISA

Sci Rep. 2017 May 22;7(1):2221. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-01459-z.

Abstract

Total choline (tCho) was documented as a biomarker for breast cancer diagnosis by in vivo MRS. To understand the molecular mechanisms behind elevated tCho in breast cancer, an association of tCho with β-catenin and cyclin D1 was evaluated. Hundred fractions from 20 malignant, 10 benign and 20 non-involved breast tissues were isolated. Cytosolic and nuclear expressions of β-catenin and cyclin D1 were estimated using ELISA. Higher tCho was seen in malignant compared to benign tissues. Malignant tissues showed higher cytosolic and nuclear β-catenin expressions than benign and non-involved tissues. Within malignant tissues, β-catenin and cyclin D1 expressions were higher in the nucleus than cytosol. Cyclin D1 expression was higher in the cytosolic fractions of benign and non-involved than malignant tissues. Furthermore, in malignant tissues, tCho showed a positive correlation with the cytosolic and nuclear expression of β-catenin and cyclin D1 and also a correlation between nuclear expressions of both these proteins was seen. Higher cytosolic β-catenin expression was seen in progesterone receptor negative than positive patients. Results provide an evidence of correlation between non-invasive biomarker, tCho and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The findings explain the molecular mechanism of tCho elevation which may facilitate exploration of additional therapeutic targets for breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Choline / genetics
  • Choline / metabolism*
  • Cyclin D1 / genetics
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Pilot Projects
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction*
  • beta Catenin / genetics
  • beta Catenin / metabolism*

Substances

  • CCND1 protein, human
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • beta Catenin
  • Cyclin D1
  • Choline