Expression Of Notch Signal Molecule And Related Factors In Breast Cancer

Objective To investigate the expression of the genes of Notchl, Notch3 and Notch4 receptors and JAGGED1 and DLL4 ligands, which are several important protein molecules in Notch signaling pathway, in human breast cancer, and the relationship between expression of these genes and breast cancer-related factors. To explore the role played by Notch signaling in human mammary gland cancer, and to provide certain experimental evidence for the investigation and exploitation of targeted drug directed to Notch system in breast cancer treatment.Methods 62 breast cancer specimens and 22 specimens far away from the cancer tissue were collected, and these cancer specimens were divided into groups. Trizol and son on were used to extract total RNA. The PCR specific primers of inner control gene, β-actin, and target genes, Notchl, Notch3, Notch4, JAGGED1 and DLL4, were designed to amplify specific gene fragments of the six genes by RT-PCR. The human breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-435S and A4 cancer specimen were used as positive control in the test. The amplified gene fragments were sequenced to determine whether they are objective gene fragments or not. The RT-PCR fragments of these genes were electrophoresed using 2% agarose gel and their gray value was calculated with gel analysis system after taken a picture. The semiquantitative value of the measured gene, namely the standardized coefficient reflecting expression level or intensity of mRNA of the gene, was the ratio of its gray value to that of β-actin.