Homogeneous datasets of triple negative breast cancers enable the identification of novel prognostic and predictive signatures.

Background: Current prognostic gene signatures for breast cancer mainly reflect proliferation status and have limited value in triple-negative (TNBC) cancers. The identification of prognostic signatures from TNBC cohorts was limited in the past due to small sample sizes.

Methodology/principal Findings: We assembled all currently publically available TNBC gene expression datasets generated on Affymetrix gene chips.

A clinically relevant gene signature in triple negative and basal-like breast cancer.

Introduction: Current prognostic gene expression profiles for breast cancer mainly reflect proliferation status and are most useful in ER-positive cancers. Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) are clinically heterogeneous and prognostic markers and biology-based therapies are needed to better treat this disease.

Methods: We assembled Affymetrix gene expression data for 579 TNBC and performed unsupervised analysis to define metagenes that distinguish molecular subsets within TNBC.

SATB1 gene expression and breast cancer prognosis.

Recently it has been shown that the genome organizer SATB1 plays an important role in breast cancer progression and predicts a poor prognosis. However its prognostic value compared to markers as the estrogen receptor is currently unclear. The expression levels of SATB1 mRNA from Affymetrix microarray in a cohort of 2058 breast cancer samples and its prognostic impact were analyzed.

T-cell metagene predicts a favorable prognosis in estrogen receptor-negative and HER2-positive breast cancers.

Introduction: Lymphocyte infiltration (LI) is often seen in breast cancer but its importance remains controversial. A positive correlation of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplification and LI has been described, which was associated with a more favorable outcome. However, specific lymphocytes might also promote tumor progression by shifting the cytokine milieu in the tumor.

Differential expression of claudins in human endometrium and endometriosis.

Membrane proteins of the claudin superfamily are important components of cellular tight and adherens junctions. Although their exact function remains unclear, these proteins may play a role in tissue remodeling, a process which is associated with several diseases including endometriosis. In the present work we analyzed the expression of 13 members of the claudin family in the endometrium and peritoneum by microarray analysis.

Microarray analysis of altered sphingolipid metabolism reveals prognostic significance of sphingosine kinase 1 in breast cancer.

Beside their structural role for the cell membrane the family of sphingolipids act as effector molecules in signal transduction with links to various aspects of cancer initiation, progression and treatment response. The "sphingolipid rheostat" balances between apoptosis inducing ceramid and growth promoting sphingosine-1-phosphate. We analyzed gene expression of 43 proteins from this pathway in different subtypes of breast cancer using microarray data of 1,269 tumor samples (test set n=171; validation sets n=1098) and observed significant differences for several genes.

Expression of membrane-type 5 matrix metalloproteinase in human endometrium and endometriosis.

Background: The metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteolytic enzymes involved in tissue remodeling and cell migration. Endometrial tissue remodeling proceeds during the menstrual cycle and requires a temporary and spatially balanced expression of several different MMPs. Various members of the MMPs also seem to play an important role in the invasion process of endometriosis; however, so far only a limited number of studies have focused on membrane-associated MMPs.

Characterization of WNT7A expression in human endometrium and endometriotic lesions.

Objective: To characterize the expression of WNT7A in human eutopic and ectopic endometrium.

Design: Experimental study using real-time polymerase chain reaction, laser microdissection, in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence.

Setting: University-based laboratory.

Utero-tubal sperm transport and its impairment in endometriosis and adenomyosis.

The uterus is composed of different smooth muscle layers that serve various functions. First, menstrual debris is expulsed at the time of the menses. Second, sperm is transported in the preovulatory phase to maximize fertility, and third, the human embryo is placed in an adequate setting during implantation.

Poor outcome in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers predicted by loss of plexin B1.

Purpose: A common characteristic of mammary carcinomas is an inverse relationship between the estrogen receptor (ER) status and the proliferative activity of the tumor. Yet, a subset of ER-positive breast cancers is characterized by a high proliferation, suggesting malfunctions in ER responsiveness that influence the biological and therapeutic behavior of tumor cells. The expression of several ER-dependent genes seems to be dysregulated among those "uncoupled" tumors.

Endometriosis may be generated by mimicking the ontogenetic development of the female genital tract.

Objective: To compare the expression of genes playing a decisive role during the embryonic development of the female genital tract (WNT4, WNT5A, WNT7A, PAX8) in the peritoneum of patients with endometriosis and control patients.

Design: Experimental study using real-time polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization.

Setting: University-based laboratory.

Uterine contractility and directed sperm transport assessed by hysterosalpingoscintigraphy (HSSG) and intrauterine pressure (IUP) measurement.

Background: Uterine peristalsis sustains sperm transport and can be detected by hysterosalpingoscintigraphy (HSSG). This study is the first to be designed to investigate utero-tubal transport function by HSSG and uterine contractility by intrauterine pressure measurement (IUP) consecutively on the same day in the periovulatory phase.

Methods: Twenty-one female subjects (mean age 28.