Immunohistochemical evaluation of enolase-1 as a prognostic biomarker in breast cancer in women.

• Grant number: 23/15706-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Debora Aparecida Pires de Campos Zuccari
• Grantee: Laura de Souza Baracioli
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP). São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Breast cancer, characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in breast tissue and their ability to invade surrounding tissues, represents the second most common neoplasm in women. It is also responsible for a high rate of premature mortality, especially in women under the age of 70. Invasive ductal carcinoma accounts for the majority of cases, ranging from 65% to 70%. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for more in-depth research into this disease, its development and, consequently, the search for new diagnostic and prognostic methods. This could lead to more precise management of therapies and treatments, allowing for a more personalized approach for breast cancer patients, based on the histopathological and phenotypical characteristics of the tumors. Enolase 1 is an enzyme widely distributed in the tissues of the human body and plays a key role in supplying cells with energy through glycolysis, catalyzing a specific reaction that converts 2-phosphoglycerate into phosphoenolpyruvate. This process plays a critical role in glycolysis, generating the energy needed to fuel other cellular reactions and processes. Scientific studies point to a possible association between the activity of enolase 1 and the development of the malignant phenotype of neoplasms. Based on this observation, this project aims to investigate the expression of the enolase 1 protein using immunohistochemistry. We have in mind its potential application as a prognostic biomarker for breast cancer. This is due to the fact that this protein has been previously identified in proteomic studies, more specifically in exosomes, and mentioned in publications that correlate it with a high incidence of tumors with a malignant profile.