CD44+ cancer cells express higher levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 in breast tumours

摘要: Breast tumours consist of phenotypically diverse populations breast cancer cells which only a minority has the ability to form new tumours. The capacity for tumour development been shown be restricted stem with CD44+/CD24(-/low) phenotype. These can resist apoptosis through mechanisms such as regulation Bcl-2. Identification this population is important because its implication in therapeutic strategies. One hundred and forty-six primary operable patients were investigated order identify CD44+ Bcl-2+ paraffin-embedded tissues by immunohistochemistry. prevalence these phenotypes was then correlated clinicopathological features. CD44 Bcl-2 expression detected 86% 82% tumours, respectively. There no significant correlation between cell characteristics, whereas associated higher levels ( P  = 0.004). In univariate analysis, lower grade  < 0.001) fewer lymphatic metastases  < 0.05). Our findings suggest that subpopulation significance, but expression. This may thus more resistant apoptosis. Targeting combination current treatments effective treating patients. This article published Cancer Immunity , [Cancer Research Institute][1] journal ceased publication 2013 now provided online association Immunology . [1]: http://cancerresearch.org/