Expression of Indian Hedgehog signaling molecules in breast cancer

Abstract

To investigate the clinicopathological significance and expression pattern of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling molecules in breast normal glands and invasive ductal carcinoma. A total of 142 cases, including 21 of normal breast and 121 of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast, were immunohistochemically analyzed for Ihh, Ptch, Smo, Gli-1, Gli-2, and Gli-3 protein expression. All of Hh signaling molecules were greatly enhanced in invasive ductal carcinoma compared with the normal breast epithelia. The expressions of Ihh, Smo, and Gli-2 were increased in PR negative cases, and the expressions of Ihh, Ptch, and Gli-1/2/3 were statistically correlated with increased proliferating index of Ki-67 in invasive ductal carcinoma. Ihh and Gli-1/2/3 expressions were correlated with node metastasis. Additionally, the protein expressions of Ihh, Ptch, and Gli-2 were correlated with the clinical stage of breast cancer. Hedgehog signaling molecules play an important role in the progression of invasive ductal carcinoma of breast.