Transforming growth factor alpha, amphiregulin and cripto-1 are frequently expressed in advanced human ovarian carcinomas.

Abstract

The expression of transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha), amphiregulin (AR) and cripto-1 (CR-1) was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 83 specimens (59 primary ovarian tumors and 24 extra-ovarian carcinomas) that were obtained from 68 ovarian carcinoma patients. Within the 59 primary tumors, 54 (92%) expressed immunoreactive TGFalpha, 45 (76%) expressed AR, and 28 (47%) expressed CR-1. The expression of AR and CR-1 mRNAs in the ovarian carcinomas was also demonstrated by RT-PCR analysis. Seventeen extra-ovarian specimens (71%) were found to express CR-1, whereas AR and TGFalpha were expressed respectively in 21 (87%) and 22 (92%) extra-ovarian tissues. In 15 cases for whom both ovarian and extra-ovarian tissues were available, a statistically significant higher expression of CR-1 was found in extra-ovarian specimens. A statistically significant correlation was found between AR expression in the ovarian carcinomas and both low grade and low proliferative activity. Finally, expression of TGFalpha was predictive of longer progression-free survival. These data strongly suggest that the EGF-related peptides might be involved in the pathogenesis and outcome of human ovarian cancer.

• Authors: Antonio D'Antonio, Simona Losito, Sandro Pignata, Michele Grassi, Francesco Perrone, Antonella De Luca, Rosa Tambaro, Caterina Bianco, William J Gullick, Gibbes R Johnson, Vincenzo R Iaffaioli, David S Salomon, Nicola Normanno
• Journal: International journal of oncology (Int J Oncol) Vol. 21 Issue 5 Pg. 941-8 (Nov 2002) ISSN: 1019-6439 [Print] Greece
• PMID: 12370739 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• AREG protein, human
• Amphiregulin
• EGF Family of Proteins
• GPI-Linked Proteins
• Glycoproteins
• Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
• Membrane Glycoproteins
• Neoplasm Proteins
• RNA, Messenger
• TDGF1 protein, human
• Transforming Growth Factor alpha
• Epidermal Growth Factor

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Amphiregulin
• EGF Family of Proteins
• Epidermal Growth Factor
• Female
• GPI-Linked Proteins
• Glycoproteins (analysis, genetics)
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry
• Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins (analysis, genetics)
• Membrane Glycoproteins
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasm Proteins (analysis, genetics)
• Ovarian Neoplasms (chemistry, etiology, mortality)
• RNA, Messenger (analysis)
• Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Transforming Growth Factor alpha (analysis, genetics)