5) mRNA was analyzed in a subset of breast cancer specimens and compared with that in normal breast tissue by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, 173 breast cancer specimens and matching normal breast controls were used for immunohistochemistry based on the tissue microarray technique. Levels of CRMP2 and phosphorylated CRMP2 protein were assessed, and possible correlations between the clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated. Results: The expression of CRMP2 mRNA was significantly decreased in breast cancer tissues, while that of the other CRMPs was similar between normal and breast cancer tissues. Immunohistochemistry revealed that CRMP2 protein expression was also decreased in breast cancer tissues (P?P? Conclusions Reduced CRMP2 expression and elevated expression of nuclear phosphorylated CRMP2 may be associated with breast cancer progression." />