DNAJC25 as a tumor suppressor candidate gene in breast cancer

Abstract

DNAJC25 gene is a member of the HSP40 (DNAJ) family, and it was suggested as a tumor suppressor gene in hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression, genetic/epigenetic alterations, and prognostic value of the DNAJC25 gene in breast cancer. DNAJC25 transcript levels are upregulated in BT-20 and ZR-75-1 cell lines and downregulated in MDA-MB-231 cell line compared to the non-tumorigenic mammary epithelial cell line (MCF 10A) (P< 0.05). According to UALCAN in-silico tool, clinical breast cancer samples show significantly reduced levels of DNAJC25 mRNA levels relative to the normal samples (P=1.47e-02). The Kaplan–Meier plotter tool shows that high DNAJC25 expression is favorable for post-progression survival in breast cancer (P=0.0035). Point mutations or copy number variations of DNAJC25 are uncommon in clinical breast cancer samples. Combined bisulfite restriction analysis (COBRA) results showed that DNAJC25 promoter is not methylated in breast cell lines. Promoter hypomethylation was also observed in normal and tumor clinical samples (Beta-value < 0.25). In conclusion, DNAJC25 is suggested as a tumor suppressor candidate having limited biomarker potential in breast cancer. Functional studies are essential to reveal its role in breast carcinogenesis.