Serum response factor (SRF) is a protein that regulates the transcription of
several other genes. It regulates especially cardiovascular system
developmental regulatory genes.
This study which was based on the immunohistochemistry showed that
SRF
influence the brain and limb vasculature development in the mice embryo.
Aim: to assess the expression ofcathepsin B(ctsB; an important protease) in human
breast cancer and correlate that with the tumor grade.
Materials and Methods:Serial sections were obtained from 23 formalin-fixed paraffin
embedded breast cancer tis
sue specimens which were collected from Alasad University
Hospital and a pathological laboratory in Lattakia - Syria. Tissues were stained for
cathepsin B using immunohistochemistry. Tonsil tissues were also included as a positive
control.
Results:Positive cytoplasmic staining of CtsB was observed in both follicular
macrophages and endothelial cells in tonsil sections. In breast cancer tissues, tumor cells,
endothelial cells and stroma stained positive for CtsB. The presence of CtsB in blood
endothelium significantly correlated with the tumor grade (p=0.049).
Conclusion: These results supported the important role of cathepsin B in tumor
progression, particularly in angiogenesis. Future studies should investigate the regulating
mechanisms of cathepsin activities within the tumor environment, and that can be
considered as new tagets for cancer treatment.