FOXP3 transcription factor: a candidate marker for susceptibility and prognosis in triple negative breast cancer

Biomed Res Int. 2014:2014:341654. doi: 10.1155/2014/341654. Epub 2014 Apr 30.

Abstract

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a relevant subgroup of neoplasia which presents negative phenotype of estrogen and progesterone receptors and has no overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2). FOXP3 (forkhead transcription factor 3) is a marker of regulatory T cells (Tregs), whose expression may be increased in tumor cells. This study aimed to investigate a polymorphism (rs3761548) and the protein expression of FOXP3 for a possible involvement in TNBC susceptibility and prognosis. Genetic polymorphism was evaluated in 50 patients and in 115 controls by allele-specific PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Protein expression was evaluated in 38 patients by immunohistochemistry. It was observed a positive association for homozygous AA (OR = 3.78; 95% CI = 1.02-14.06) in relation to TNBC susceptibility. Most of the patients (83%) showed a strong staining for FOXP3 protein in the tumor cells. In relation to FOXP3-positive infiltrate, 47% and 58% of patients had a moderate or intense intratumoral and peritumoral mononuclear infiltrate cells, respectively. Tumor size was positively correlated to intratumoral FOXP3-positive infiltrate (P = 0.026). In conclusion, since FOXP3 was positively associated with TNBC susceptibility and prognosis, it seems to be a promising candidate for further investigation in larger TNBC samples.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers, Tumor* / biosynthesis
  • Biomarkers, Tumor* / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Female
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors* / biosynthesis
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors* / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • FOXP3 protein, human
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors