Prognostic Role of Prolactin-Induced Protein (PIP) in Breast Cancer

Prolactin-inducible protein (PIP), also referred to as gross cystic disease fluid protein 15 (GCDFP-15), has been a trending topic in recent years due to its potential role as a specific marker in breast cancer. PIP binds to aquaporin-5 (AQP5), CD4, actin, fibrinogen, β-tubulin, serum albumin, hydroxyapatite, zinc α2-glycoprotein, and the Fc fragment of IgGs, and the expression of PIP has been demonstrated to be modulated by various cytokines, including IL4/13, IL1, and IL6. PIP gene expression has been extensively studied due to its captivating nature. It is influenced by various factors, with androgens, progesterone, glucocorticosteroids, prolactin, and growth hormone enhancing its expression while estrogens suppress it. The regulatory mechanisms involve important proteins such as STAT5A, STAT5B, Runx2, and androgen receptor, which collaborate to enhance PIP gene transcription and protein production. The expression level of PIP in breast cancer is dependent on the tumor stage and subtype. Higher expression is observed in early-stage tumors of the luminal A subtype, while lower expression is associated with luminal B, basal-like, and triple-negative subtypes, which have a poorer prognosis. PIP expression is also correlated with apocrine differentiation, hormone receptor positivity, and longer metastasis-free survival. PIP plays a role in supporting the immune system’s antitumor response during the early stages of breast cancer development. However, as cancer progresses, the protective role of PIP may become less effective or diminished. In this work, we summarized the clinical significance of the PIP molecule in breast cancer and its potential role as a new candidate for cell-based therapies.