Characterization of putative tumor suppressor genes on chromosome 11q23–25 in sporadic breast cancer

Aims: Frequent loss of heterozygosity (LOH) has been demonstrated at defined regions of chromosome 11 in breast cancer, including 11q23–25. This indicates that relevant tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) may be located within this region. Methods: Gene expression profiles of sporadic breast tumors were generated using array technology (Affymetrix). Downregulation of putative TSGs was confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. To investigate mutations or altered promoter methylation as mechanisms for observed TSG silencing screening analyses by DHPLC has been performed. For functional analyses candidate genes were overexpresse…