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Doublecortin like kinase 1 (DCLK1) was observed overexpressed in several types of human cancers, and played a functional role in tumorigenicity, but little is known about the biological function of DCLK1 in basal-like breast cancer. In our results, the expressions of DCLK1 mRNA and protein were elevated in basal-like breast cancer tissues and cell lines. DCLK1 high-expression associated with clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and histological grade. DCLK1 high-expression was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for basal-like breast cancer patients. The biological experiments suggested knockdown of DCLK1 induced inhibition of basal-like breast cancer cells proliferation, migration and invasion. In conclusion, DCLK1 serves as a prognostic biomarker for basal-like breast cancer and a potential therapeutic target for basal-like breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: CD44 molecule plays critical role in distant malignant metastasis. It is expressed in standard form (CD44s) or variant form (CD44v). Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is highly expressed in the cancer microenvironment. TNF-α was reported to modulate CD44 expression in several kinds of cancer. However, little is known about pathological role of TNF-α in breast cancer (BC) cells. In the current investigation, we investigated the effect of TNF-α on BC cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) viability, CD44 expression, and in vitro migration. We found that TNF-α down-regulated CD44s expression, up-regulated CD44v3 and CD44v6 expression through JNK pathway in MCF-7 cells. In MDA-MB-231 cells, TNF-α up-regulated CD44s, CD44v3 and CD44v6 expression via p38 pathway. These data indicate important role of CD44 molecule in BC pathology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]