Latent transforming growth factor binding protein 4 (LTBP4) is downregulated in mouse and human DCIS and mammary carcinomas

Abstract

Background Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) is able to inhibit the proliferation of epithelial cells and is involved in the carcinogenesis of mammary tumors. Three latent transforming growth factor-ß binding proteins (LTBPs) are known to modulate TGF-ß functions. Methods The current study analyses the expression profiles of LTBP4, its isoforms LTBP1 and LTBP3, and TGF-ß1, TGF-ß2, TGF-ß3, and SMAD2, SMAD3 and SMAD4 in human and murine (WAP-TNP8) DCIS compared to invasive mammary tumors. Additionally mammary malignant (MCF7, Hs578T, MDA-MB361) and non malignant cell lines (Hs578BsT) were analysed. Microarray, q-PCR, immunoblot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used. Results In comparison to non-malignant tissues (n=5), LTBP4 was downregulated in all human and mouse DCIS (n=9) and invasive mammary adenocarcinomas (n=5) that were investigated. We also found decreased expression of bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4) and increased expression of its inhibitor gremlin (GREM1). Treatment of the mammary tumor cell line (Hs578T) with recombinant TGF-ß1 rescued BMP4 and GREM1 expression. Conclusion We conclude that the lack of LTBP4-mediated targeting in malignant mammary tumor tissues may lead to a possible modification of TGF-ß1 and BMP bioavailability and function. © The Author(s) 2011.