RESUMEN

Although distinct pathological stages of breast cancer have been described, the molecular differences among these stages are largely unknown. Here, through the combined use of laser capture microdissection and DNA microarrays, we have generated in situ gene expression profiles of the premalignant, preinvasive, and invasive stages of human breast cancer. Our data reveal extensive similarities at the transcriptome level among the distinct stages of progression and suggest that gene expression alterations conferring the potential for invasive growth are already present in the preinvasive stages. In contrast to tumor stage, different tumor grades are associated with distinct gene expression signatures. Furthermore, a subset of genes associated with high tumor grade is quantitatively correlated with the transition from preinvasive to invasive growth.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias de la Mama/genética , Neoplasias de la Mama/patología , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Enzimas/genética , Células Epiteliales/patología , Femenino , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica , Humanos , Procesamiento de Imagen Asistido por Computador , Hibridación in Situ , Proteínas de Neoplasias/genética , Estadificación de Neoplasias , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa