Dysregulated KIF2A correlates with p53 expression pattern in breast cancer

Kinesin family member 2A (KIF2A) and p53 play crucial roles in tumor development and progression. However, their correlation in breast cancer remains unclear. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on 357 breast cancer specimens to investigate the expression status of KIF2A and p53, their correlations with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis, and their interrelationship in breast cancer. The results demonstrated that KIF2A was highly expressed in breast cancer tissues and exhibited two subcellular localization patterns: nuclear-enriched and cytoplasmic-enriched localization. High KIF2A expression was associated with the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive subtype, lymph node metastasis (LNM), high Ki67 index, and advanced TNM stage, whereas cytoplasmic-enriched localization was associated with higher tumor grade. Both high KIF2A expression and cytoplasmic-enriched localization predicted poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. A composite index integrating KIF2A expression and localization was an independent prognostic factor. p53 IHC analysis revealed expression pattern categorized as wild-type (57.7%), overexpression (20.4%), and null pattern (21.8%). Abnormal p53 expression (overexpression and null pattern) was associated with LNM, advanced N-stage, high histological grade, estrogen receptor-negative status, progesterone receptor-negative status, HER2-positive status, high Ki67 index, and triple-negative molecular subtypes. Patients with the wild-type, null, and overexpression pattern demonstrated progressively worse prognosis. Additionally, the combined status of KIF2A and p53 IHC could effectively stratify the prognosis of breast cancer. Finally, KIF2A expression was found to be higher in patients with abnormal p53 expression. This study revealed the expression interplay and clinical significance of KIF2A and p53 in breast cancer. The identified association between KIF2A and p53 may provide insights for future research on their roles in breast cancer.