Differential BACH1 Expression in Basal-like Breast Tumors of Black Women Identified via Immunohistochemistry

BACH1 has been identified as a functional regulator of cancer metastasis and metabolic signaling in breast cancer cells. However, the clinical relevance of BACH1 expression in breast tumors remains poorly understood. Using a tissue microarray from a cohort of 130 patients, we assessed the expression of BACH1 and its known target gene, MCT1 (encoded by <i>SLC16A1</i>), through immunohistochemistry (IHC). The expression data were then analyzed in relation to clinical variables, including breast cancer subtypes, tissue types, tumor size and grade, patient racial background, and age group. We found positive associations between BACH1 expression and tumor size, tumor grade, and the basal-like subtype. Importantly, BACH1 expression was significantly higher in tumors from Black women compared to those from White women, as well as in the basal-like subtype of breast tumors from Black women. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between BACH1 and MCT1 IHC scores in tumors from Black women, while a weak association was noted in tumors from White women. Our study provides compelling evidence that BACH1 expression is evident based on the race and subtypes of breast cancer patients.