Protein expression analysis of ALCAM and CEACAM6 in breast cancer metastases reveals significantly increased ALCAM expression in metastases of the skin
For prediction and understanding of underlying mechanisms of organ-specific metastases, various gene and protein expression signatures have been identified in primary breast carcinomas. These expression signatures often include several genes coding for adhesion molecules, such as activated leucocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM/CD166) and carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6), both of which may play an important role in the development of distant metastases because of their adherent properties. Owing to their predominantly membranous localisation, they are also considered to have certain therapeutic potential. Apart from expression data obtained in the primary tumour, data for gene and protein expression patterns in distant breast cancer metastases are rare. Therefore this study focuses on analysing the distribution of ALCAM and CEACAM6 protein expression in breast cancer metastases from different sites.
For prediction and understanding of underlying mechanisms of organ-specific metastases, various gene and protein expression signatures have been identified in primary breast carcinomas. These expression signatures often include several genes coding for adhesion molecules, such as activated leucocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM/CD166) and carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6), both of which may play an important role in the development of distant metastases because of their adherent properties. Owing to their predominantly membranous localisation, they are also considered to have certain therapeutic potential. Apart from expression data obtained in the primary tumour, data for gene and protein expression patterns in distant breast cancer metastases are rare. Therefore this study focuses on analysing the distribution of ALCAM and CEACAM6 protein expression in breast cancer metastases from different sites.