Expression pattern of the class I homeobox genes in ovarian carcinoma.
- Author:
Jin Hwa HONG
1
;
Jae Kwan LEE
;
Joong Jean PARK
;
Nak Woo LEE
;
Kyu Wan LEE
;
Jung Yeol NA
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Homeobox gene; Ovarian neoplasms; Carcinogenesis
- MeSH: Aluminum Hydroxide; Blotting, Western; Carbonates; Cell Line; Female; Genes, Homeobox; Ovarian Neoplasms; Ovary; RNA, Messenger
- From:Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2010;21(1):29-37
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- 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.
