Abstract
Objective: Although some sporadic reports reveal the link between the homeobox (HOX) genes and ovarian carcinoma, there is no comprehensive analysis of the expression pattern of the class I homeobox genes in ovarian carcinoma that determines the candidate genes involved in ovarian carcinogenesis. Methods: The different patterns of expression of 36 HOX genes were analyzed, including 4 ovarian cancer cell lines and 4 normal ovarian tissues. Using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantification analysis, the specific gene that showed a significantly higher expression in ovarian cancer cell lines than in normal ovaries was selected, and western blot analysis was performed adding 7 ovarian cancer tissue specimens. Finally, immunohistochemical and immunocytochemical analyses were performed to compare the pattern of expression of the specific HOX gene between ovarian cancer tissue and normal ovaries. Results: Among 36 genes, 11 genes had a different level of mRNA expression between the cancer cell lines and the normal ovarian tissues. Of the 11 genes, only HOXB4 had a significantly higher level of expression in ovarian cancer cell lines than in normal ovaries (p=0.029). Based on western blot, immunohistochemical, and immunocytochemical analyses, HOXB4 was expressed exclusively in the ovarian cancer cell lines or cancer tissue specimens, but not in the normal ovaries. Conclusion: We suggest HOXB4 may be a novel candidate gene involved in ovarian carcinogenesis.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 29-37 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of gynecologic oncology |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2010 Mar |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Carcinogenesis
- Homeobox gene
- Ovarian neoplasms
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oncology
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology