Subtype-specific dysregulation of biogenic amine-related genes and miRNAs in breast cancer: identification of DRD2, HRH2, and HRH4 as potential therapeutic targets in TNBC and HER2+ subtypes.

Abstract

Purpose: Biogenic amines (BAs) are known to influence tumorigenesis, yet their precise role in breast cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the expression patterns of BA-related genes, proteins, and their regulatory miRNAs across different breast cancer subtypes to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Methods: A cohort of 501 breast cancer patients was classified into luminal A (n = 130), luminal B HER2- (n = 100), luminal B HER2+ (n = 96), non-luminal HER2+ (n = 36), and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC; n = 43). Gene expression was assessed via microarray analysis and validated using RT-qPCR. Protein levels were quantified using ELISA, while miRNA profiling was conducted to identify post-transcriptional regulatory interactions. Statistical significance was determined using ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (p < 0.05).

Results: Histamine-related genes (HRH1-HRH4) were upregulated across all subtypes, with HRH2 and HRH4 most elevated in TNBC (FC = 7.18, p < 0.01). DRD2 showed widespread upregulation (FC = 15.98, p < 0.001), whereas DRD5 was markedly downregulated, especially in non-luminal HER2+ tumors (FC =  - 13.01, p < 0.01). miRNA analysis revealed downregulation of hsa-miR-30b-3p and hsa-miR-372-5p in TNBC and HER2+ subtypes, correlating with HRH2 and HRH4 overexpression (p < 0.05). EGR1 and ICAM1 exhibited strong subtype-specific expression, with ICAM1 significantly upregulated in TNBC (FC = 25.76, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Subtype-specific dysregulation of BA-related genes and miRNAs suggests their involvement in tumor progression, immune modulation, and metabolic regulation. The findings highlight potential therapeutic targets, particularly in TNBC and HER2+ subtypes.