The Evaluation of VE-Cadherin Gene Expression in Serum of Iranian Women With Breast Cancer

Abstract

Background & Objective: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and the second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide, in both developed and developing countries. Vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin is endothelial specific adhesion molecule located at junctions between endothelial cells and its association with various cancers has been proven. The aim of this study was to evaluate the VE-cadherin gene expression in serum of Iranian women with breast cancer in order to identify a biomarker for its prediction. Materials & Methods: After serum isolation from blood samples of the patients and controls, extraction of RNA and synthesis of cDNA were done. Gene expression was measured using real-time PCR technique. Results: Our results showed that the expression of VE-cadherin was increased significantly in patients compared to control samples. However, there was no relationship between its expression and grade of the tumors. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, expression of this factor can be used as a marker for study and follow-up of breast cancer patients. Furthermore, considering the role of this factor in angiogenesis and metastasis, it can be used as a target for intervention therapy.

Keywords

• breast cancer
• evaluation of gene expression
• ve-cadherin gene
• serum biomarker