RESUMO
We have previously shown that the d16HER2 splice variant is linked to HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) tumorigenesis, progression and response to Trastuzumab. However, the mechanisms by which d16HER2 contributes to HER2-driven aggressiveness and targeted therapy susceptibility remain uncertain. Here, we report that the d16HER2-positive mammary tumor cell lines MI6 and MI7, derived from spontaneous lesions of d16HER2 transgenic (tg) mice and resembling the aggressive features of primary lesions, are enriched in the expression of Wnt, Notch and epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathways related genes compared with full-length wild-type (WT) HER2-positive cells (WTHER2_1 and WTHER2_2) derived from spontaneous tumors arising in WTHER2 tg mice. MI6 cells exhibited increased resistance to anoikis and significantly higher mammosphere-forming efficiency (MFE) and self-renewal capability than the WTHER2-positive counterpart. Furthermore, d16HER2-positive tumor cells expressed a higher fraction of CD29High/CD24+/SCA1Low cells and displayed greater in vivo tumor engraftment in serial dilution conditions than WTHER2_1 cells. Accordingly, NOTCH inhibitors impaired mammosphere formation only in MI6 cells. A comparative analysis of stemness-related features driven by d16HER2 and WTHER2 in ad hoc engineered human BC cells (MCF7 and T47D) revealed a higher MFE and aldehyde dehydrogenase-positive staining in d16HER2- vs WTHER2-infected cells, sustaining consistent BC-initiating cell enrichment in the human setting. Moreover, marked CD44 expression was found in MCF7_d16 and T47D_d16 cells vs their WTHER2 and Mock counterparts. Clinically, BC cases from two distinct HER2-positive cohorts characterized by high levels of expression of the activated-d16HER2 metagene were significantly enriched in the Notch family and signal transducer genes vs those with low levels of the metagene.
Assuntos
Processamento Alternativo , Neoplasias da Mama/genética , Neoplasias da Mama/patologia , Células-Tronco Neoplásicas/metabolismo , Receptor ErbB-2/genética , Animais , Apoptose/genética , Biomarcadores , Neoplasias da Mama/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Análise por Conglomerados , Progressão da Doença , Transição Epitelial-Mesenquimal/genética , Feminino , Expressão Gênica , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Camundongos , Mutação , Receptor ErbB-2/metabolismo , Receptores Notch/metabolismo , Transdução de SinaisRESUMO
Rape and other serious sexual assaults are common and result in long-term morbidity. Increasing numbers are reported but conviction rates are low. Victims of sexual assault present to a wide range of healthcare settings. Good immediate medical care and evidence collection are important in engaging victims with the criminal justice system, avoiding the loss of crucial evidence and minimising long-term morbidity. Of 21 UK medical schools surveyed, only eight provided teaching about sexual assault and ten provided other forensic teaching. Sixteen schools provided guidance about personal safety. As rape is so common and traumatic, medical schools should seriously consider providing teaching about this area.