Interplay of Epithelial Mesenchyal Transition Markers (Snug and Snail) and Junctional Proteins (Claudin-3) in Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma of Breast

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women, with infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) being the predominant invasive subtype. EMT markers (Snail and Slug) and Claudin-3 are implicated in tumor invasion, metastasis, and progression.
Aims: To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of Snail, Slug, and Claudin-3 in IDC and determine their association with clinicopathological parameters and molecular subtypes.
Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included 52 histopathologically confirmed IDC cases. Immunohistochemical expression of Snail, Slug, and Claudin-3 was assessed and correlated with tumor grade, lymph node status, lymphovascular invasion, perivascular invasion, and molecular subtype.
Results: Grade II tumors and lymph node positivity were most common. Triple-negative tumors showed high Snail/Slug and low Claudin-3 expression, while luminal tumors demonstrated high Claudin-3 with moderate Snail/Slug expression. HER2-positive tumors exhibited high expression of both markers. High Snail/Slug and reduced Claudin-3 expression were significantly associated with adverse pathological features and aggressive molecular subtypes (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Combined assessment of Snail, Slug, and Claudin-3 may serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker panel for identifying aggressive IDC and improving risk stratification and therapeutic decision-making.