Increased expression of ADAM family members in human breast cancer and breast cancer cell lines

Purpose: ADAMs (A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease) are multifunctional, membrane-bound cell surface glycoproteins, which have numerous functions in cell growth, differentiation, and motility. We wished to investigate the expression of ADAM 9, 10, 12, 15, and in human breast cancer. Methods: Expression of ADAMs was determined in breast cancer specimens and the corresponding non-neoplastic breast tissue from 24 patients, and in the MCF-7 and MDA-MB 453 breast cancer cell lines via quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The effects of anti-ADAM antibodies on cell proliferation were assessed by measuring DNA-synthesis. Results: Breast cancer tissue samples showed increased mRNA expression of ADAM 9, 12, and 17, whereas ADAM 10 and 15 were not differently expressed. Protein expression was studied by immunohistochemistry. All ADAMs were expressed in MCF-7 and MDA-MB453 cell lines, with the highest expression levels being observed for ADAM 9, 12, and 17. Application of anti-ADAM 15 and anti-ADAM 17 antibodies significantly inhibited the proliferation of both MCF-7 and MDA-MB453 breast cancer cell lines. In contrast, the growth of MCF-7 cells appeared to be stimulated by the administration of anti-ADAM 12 antibody. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that ADAMs are differentially expressed in human breast cancer and are capable of modulating tumour cell growth.