Environ Exp Biol (2015) 13: 133–138

Evaluation of morphological differences of breast cancer cells using various biological markers and the Feulgen method

Abstract

Cancer cell nuclei have undergone chromatin structure condensation and changes in shape, nucleolus volume and staining properties. Nevertheless, it has been suggested that cancer stem cells are responsible for resistance to anticancer treatment and tumour recurrence. The aim of the study was to evaluate morphological differences and distribution of DNA amount in luminal and triple negative breast cancer cell populations using various biological markers and the Feulgen method. Multiple cell surface antigens like CD44 (the cluster of differentiation 44), CD24 (the cluster of differentiation 24), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and nucleus antigens like embryonic stem cell marker (Oct3/4) can be used to identify cancer stem cells. Strong expression of antibody CD44 and ALDH and positive expression of CD24 and Oct3/4 were seen in both breast cancer groups among morphologically different cells. Amount of DNA indicated variability of cells. The study showed similarity between development and behaviour of microcells and polyploid cells, and we suggest that polyploid cells are in a later phase of development after anticancer treatment.