Expression of type I and type III procollagen genes in human scirrhous carcinoma of breast by in situ hybridization
Gan, Y.B.
Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi 14(5): 348-350
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-3766 PMID: 1337890 Document Number: 402409
Scirrhous carcinoma is characterized by remarkable amount of collagen fibrils, mainly Type I and Type III collagens. The origin of the collagens is still under debate. cDNA fragments of Type I and Type III procollagens were subcloned into Gemini pGEM vectors to synthesize the 35S-labeled cRNA probes. By in situ hybridization, we have found the fibroblasts surrounding the tumor cells and cords contained abundent Type I and Type III procollagen mRNAs which decreased with the distance of fibroblasts from the tumor cells. In all freshly prepared tissues, the tumor cells also contained significant pro-alpha-1(I) and pro-alpha-1(III) mRNAs, but no or little pro-alpha-2(I) mRNA. The results indicated that Type I and Type III collagens in human scirrhous carcinoma of breast are mainly produced by fibroblasts. Tumor cells also participate in the disposition of collagen fibrils, probably Type I trimer and Type III collagens in accordance with what was observed in biochemical analysis and cell culture studies.