Lymphangiogenesis Quantification Using Quantitative PCR and Breast Cancer as a Model

• Published in: Biochemical and biophysical research communications 2001-11, Vol.288 (4), p.1043-1046
• Main Authors: Cunnick, G.H., Jiang, W.G., Gomez, K.F., Mansel, R.E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomarkers - analysis; breast cancer; Breast Neoplasms - genetics; Breast Neoplasms - immunology; Breast Neoplasms - pathology; Cloning, Molecular; Endothelium, Vascular - growth & development; Endothelium, Vascular - metabolism; Female; Glycoproteins - genetics; Humans; Lymph Nodes - growth & development; Lymph Nodes - metabolism; Lymph Nodes - pathology; lymphangiogenesis; Lymphatic Metastasis - immunology; Lymphatic Metastasis - pathology; LYVE-1; Plasmids - genetics; Polymerase Chain Reaction - methods; real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction; RNA, Messenger - genetics; RNA, Messenger - metabolism; Sensitivity and Specificity; Vesicular Transport Proteins
• ISSN: 0006-291X; 1090-2104
• DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2001.5869

The detection of lymphangiogenesis (formation of new lymphatics) has previously been difficult to measure, primarily due to the lack of specific markers for lymphatic endothelium. Using conventional PCR (polymerase chain reaction), DNA sequencing, plasmid synthesis, and real-time quantitative PCR (RTQPCR), we report a new approach to enable the measurement of lymphangiogenesis using LYVE-1, a novel, specific lymphatic marker in breast cancer tissue. By using a Scorpion-based probe system with the RTQPCR analyser, a highly sensitive and specific detection and quantitation of LYVE-1 was possible. It was found that lymphangiogenesis occurred in all breast specimens and that higher levels were found in tumours which had spread to the lymph nodes.