Molecular Detection of Mouse Mammary Tumor-like Virus (MMTV-Like) in Breast Carcinoma for Iraqi Female Patients

Background: The mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-like env gene have previously been reported to be present in some human breast cancers, however, their role in developing that cancers is still unclear. Aim: This study aims to investigate the presence of MMTV-like env gene among Iraqi women who have breast cancers. Methods: The prevalence of MMTV-like env gene and beta-globulin gene in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast tissue specimens of 88 Iraqi women with breast cancers was detected using conventional PCR and RealTime techniques. Eight benign breast tumors’ specimens were also used as controls. Fisher’s exact test was used to analyse data. Results: MMTV-like env gene were detected in 16 (18.8%) specimens of those with breast malignancies, while they were not identified in benign breast tumors specimens. However, no significant difference between two groups was noted. Conclusion: MMTV-like env and beta-globin genes were detected in Iraqi women with breast cancer, and further research is needed to study the role and association of these env gene with cancer development.