P227: Anterior gradient 2 and TFF1 coexpression in breast cancer lymph node metastases from estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) primary tumors contributes to the metastatic phenotype

Abstract

A more complete understanding of the critical genes regulating the phenotypic characteristics associated with the development of metastatic breast cancer could help impact on the effectiveness of therapy for this disease. In order to identify target genes involved in breast cancer metastasis, we performed a microarray analysis of three metastatic lymph nodes. Thirty-five genes that were most highly expressed as compared to negative control cervical lymph nodes were identifyed. After cytokeratin 19, the second most highly expressed gene was anterior gradient 2 (AGR2), a gene known to be upregulated in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) tumors.