In situ detection of HER2:HER2 and HER2:HER3 protein-protein interactions demonstrates prognostic significance in early breast cancer

Melanie Spears, Karen J Taylor, Alison F Munro, Carrie A Cunningham, Elizabeth A Mallon, Chris J Twelves, David Cameron, Jeremy S Thomas, John M S Bartlett

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

HER2 overexpression/amplification is linked with poor prognosis in early breast cancer. Co-expression of HER2 and HER3 is associated with endocrine and chemotherapy resistance, driven not simply by expression but by signalling via HER2:HER3 or HER2:HER2 dimers. Proximity ligation assays (PLAs) detect protein-protein complexes at a single-molecule level and allow study of signalling pathways in situ. A cohort of 100 tumours was analyzed by PLA, IHC and FISH. HER complexes were analyzed by PLA in a further 321 tumours from the BR9601 trial comparing cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil (CMF) with epirubicin followed by CMF (epi-CMF). The relationships between HER dimer expression and RFS and OS were investigated, and multivariate regression analysis identified factors influencing patient prognosis. PLA successfully and reproducibly detected HER2:HER2 and HER2:HER3 protein complexes in vivo. A significant association (P 
Original languageEnglish
JournalBreast cancer research and treatment
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

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