Abstract:

To screen the associated proteins of breast cancer which have axillary lymph node metastases. Methods20 specimens of fresh breast cancer tissues were collected and classified into two groups with and without lymph node metastases, with 10 cases in each group. Proteins were extracted from these specimens and separated by 2DPAGE. Distinct protein spots were selected for mass spectrometry. Stathmin and Ezrin protein expression was assayed by an immunohistochemical SP method in 72 breast cancer cases. Results214 protein spots were identified.36 proteins with at least 3.0fold of differential expression were identified after collagen protein, serum albumin and identical proteins which were caused by electrophoresis dispersion were eliminated. Immunohistochemistry showed that the positive rate of Stathmin and Ezrin proteins was 73.5%, 47.4%, 78.6%, and 46.9% in breast cancer with and without lymph node metastases. Differences of the two sets had statistical significance (P＜0.05). ConclusionThere are many distinct proteins between breast cancer with and without lymph node metastases. Stathmin and Ezrin may be involved in the process of progression and metastasis of breast cancer.

Key words: Breast neoplasms； Lymph node metastasis； Proteomics； Stathmin protein； Ezrin protein