Abstract B48: Clues to the causes of the abundance of triple-negative breast cancer in women of African descent

Conclusions: The results of the above gene expression analysis are best understood in light of our recently published findings using these same cells (Sauder et al, BMC Cell Biology, 2014). Epithelial cells grown from mammary explant culture are basal-like and phenotypically plastic. They can assume a wide range of cell types depending on the cues provided by the microenvironment. When grown in basement membrane matrix or on human dermal fibroblasts, these cells produce a stratified squamous epithelium. Although the cells used for the gene expression analysis were grown in plastic tissue culture flasks and grew as a monotonous monolayer, the data suggest that they are, to some extent, transcriptionally "squamous". For example, they express involucrin and the genes that code for the corneodesmosome proteins: corneodesmin, desmoglein and desmocollin.The skin of humans living in sub-Saharan Africa has evolved to provide optimal barrier protection. It specifically protects against water loss and, pathogenic microorganisms and parasites. Mammary glands are ectodermal appendages of the epithelium and they may share similar immune defense mechanisms. The increased expression of genes involved in innate immunity in AA breast epithelial cells is of significant interest. We hypothesize that a subclinical, chronic inflammatory state is incited within basal breast cells in response to a pathogen that is endemic to Africa and overrepresented in low income communities in the US. This persi...
Source: Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Breast Cancer: Poster Presentations - Proffered Abstracts Source Type: research