Fig. 6: Expression of MASTL in human breast cancer

a MASTL mRNA levels in breast carcinomas (n = 76) or normal breast tissues (n = 61) in the TCGA breast cancer cohort (Oncomine database). b Immunohistochemical detection of MASTL in breast cancer samples, showing null (0), weak (1), medium (2) or strong (3) levels of nuclear staining. c-e Correlation of MASTL protein expression levels with the pathological grade c, the molecular subtypes d and the ER status e of breast tumors from the METABRIC cohort. Black lines in each group indicate median with interquartile range. ** p < 0.01, ***, p < 0.001, ****, p < 0.0001; P values were calculated using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. f Kaplan-Meier analysis of survival, comparing breast cancer patients with high vs. low MASTL protein expression (METABRIC cohort). Statistical significance was calculated using the log-rank test. g Dot-plot diagram showing the correlation between MASTL protein expression and Ki67 levels (percentage of positive cells) in an independent cohort of hormone-positive breast cancer patients. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson’s test. h Kaplan-Meier plot for disease relapse, comparing high vs. low MASTL protein expression in the hormone-positive cohort of breast cancer patients. Statistical significance was calculated using the log-rank test. i Cox´s Proportionate Hazards Model, showing the risk variation attributable to each variable per unit increase. MASTL level is the only variable independently associated with an increased relapse risk. MASTL score (0-300) for c-e and g was calculated by multiplying the percentage of Mastl-positive cells by the intensity value of the staining according to the criteria shown in b. ER estrogen receptor, HR hazard ratio