Aims: This study investigated the expression patterns of five crucial genes BRCA1, PALB2, CDK1, CDH1, and CHEK2 across breast cancer subtypes using Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA). Study Design: A quantitative research design based on MANOVA was employed using gene expression data from 1,139 breast cancer patients representing multiple subtypes. Place and Duration of Study: The study utilized secondary genomic data obtained from publicly available breast cancer databases and was conducted over a six-month period. Methodology: Preliminary diagnostic tests assessed normality, multicollinearity, and multivariate outliers. Shapiro–Wilk tests indicated approximate normality, VIF values below 5 confirmed the absence of multicollinearity, and Mahalanobis distance showed no significant outliers (12.68 < 20.515). Although Levene’s and Box’s M tests indicated heterogeneity of variances and covariance matrices (p < 0.001), Pillai’s trace was adopted due to its robustness. Univariate analyses and Scheffe post hoc tests were subsequently conducted. Results: MANOVA revealed a highly significant overall effect of breast cancer subtype on combined gene expression profiles (Pillai’s Trace = 0.525, F = 48.09, p < 0.001, observed power = 1.000). BRCA1, CDK1, CDH1, and CHEK2 significantly discriminated subtypes (p < 0.001), while PALB2 showed marginal significance (p = 0.003). Luminal A and HER2 demonstrated the strongest gene-specific effects, whereas Luminal B showed the least differentiation. Conclusion: The findings confirm distinct subtype-specific gene expression patterns and demonstrate the effectiveness of MANOVA for genomic studies, highlighting its relevance for precision oncology and targeted breast cancer management. Read more

Milk production and composition are influenced by genetic factors, yet limited research has explored breed-specific differences in milk gene expression among indigenous Nigerian cattle. Understanding these variations is essential for improving milk quality and optimising dairy breeding strategies. This study investigated the expression of milk genes in different tissues of White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali cows. A total of 100 lactating cows (50 White Fulani and 50 Sokoto Gudali) in their second parity and mid-lactation (120–210 days in milk) were sampled from five locations in Oyo State and one in Ondo State. Milk samples were preserved at 3–4°C and analysed. Total RNA was extracted, treated with DNase, and reverse-transcribed into cDNA. Gene expression was assessed using qPCR, with GAPDH and β-Actin as reference genes. The experimental design followed a factorial arrangement. Results showed significant (p&lt;0.05) variations in gene expression between breeds and tissues. Alpha Casein was highly expressed in milk (36.50 ± 0.29) and heart (34.58 ± 0.31) of White Fulani, while Sokoto Gudali exhibited higher expression in the kidney (32.56 ± 0.29) and mammary gland (34.65 ± 0.33). Leptin expression was higher in White Fulani milk (37.57 ± 0.30) but greater in Sokoto Gudali mammary gland (33.12 ± 0.12). These findings provide insights into breed-specific gene expression patterns, which may influence milk composition and quality improvement strategies. Read more