Understanding the role of adipose tissue distribution and adipokine-related RNA expression in the tumor microenvironment on breast cancer outcomes in a racially and ethnically diverse sample

We will test the central hypothesis that adipose tissue depots (visceral vs. subcutaneous), measured using computed tomography scans, have differing associations with adipokine and adipokine receptor gene expression profiles and related gene signatures in the breast tumor microenvironment, which can be used to develop outcome predictive models. This study will (1) Examine whether adipose tissue distribution impacts cell type-specific RNA expression profiles of leptin, adiponectin, and their receptors in breast tumors and the adjacent breast TME; (2) Define associations of these RNA expression profiles with breast tumor clinicopathology; and (3) Examine whether these RNA expression profiles predict breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

0