Expression of multiple cancer/testis genes in 32 breast cancer tumor samples

cancer/testis genes (CT-genes) are a family gene which only express in normal testis tissue; some of them are randomly expressed in some types of cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of expression of CT-genes in the patients with breast cancer.

Thirty two breast cancer tissue samples were prepared. Expression of NY-ESO-1 1a، NY-ESO-1 1b، SCP1، SSX-2 and MAGE-3 genes، as well as GAPDH (internal control)، were studied by multiplex RT-PCR method.

Three (9%) of 32 tumor samples expressed mRNA of NY-ESO-1 1a، while six (19%) of 32 tumor samples expressed mRNA of NY-ESO-1 1b. Seven (22%) and two (6%) of 32 tumor samples expressed mRNA of SCP1 and mRNA of MAGE3، rtepectively. Overall، Thirteen (41%) samples expressed one of the studied genes.

NY-ESO-1 and SCP1 genes had the highest frequency of expression of mRNA. It is suggested that more number of breast cancer tumor samples should be examined to evaluate expression of CT-genes. SCP1 and NY-ESO-1 proteins may promote future breast cancer immunotherapy.