Fig. 6

Ability of the intrinsic gene expression of NST to predict metaplastic components. A Unsupervised clustering of 22 NST components (left) and 31 metaplastic components (right) using 44 differentially expressed genes (ANOVA, p < 0.01). The clustering of NST components was according to NST samples categorized by corresponding metaplastic components. Genes majorly expressed in the MAT and SQC components are highlighted as subgroups M and S. DEGs, differentially expressed genes. B Bar plots of the immunohistochemical analysis of M-subgroup genes (SOX10, HAPLN1, NCAM1, and COL9A3) and S-subgroup gene (PYCARD) in the 22 MpBC cases with only one type or predominantly one type of paired metaplastic component. Representative pictures of immunohistochemical staining for C SOX10, D NCAM1, E HAPLN1, F COL9A3, and G PYCARD in the 27 MpBC cases. The NST and paired metaplastic components are marked with a black circle. The inset displays a low-power view. Positive PYCARD staining in some infiltrating mononuclear cells in the stroma