Expression of ERα, its ERαΔ3 Splice Variant and γ-SYNUCLEIN in Ovarian Cancer: A Pilot Study

Cheung, Karen T. and Taylor, Siân E. and Patel, Imran I. and Bentley, Adam J. and Stringfellow, Helen F. and Fullwood, Nigel J. and Martin-Hirsch, Pierre L. and Martin, Francis L. (2011) Expression of ERα, its ERαΔ3 Splice Variant and γ-SYNUCLEIN in Ovarian Cancer: A Pilot Study. British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research, 1 (4). pp. 430-444. ISSN 22310614

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Abstract

Aims: Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality of any gynaecological malignancy; this is due to rapid peritoneal spread of tumour cells and neovascularization. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this is critical to developing early diagnostic or treatment strategies. We devised a pilot study to examine the role of γ-SYNUCLEIN (γ-SYN), oestrogen receptor (ER)α, and the splice variant ERαΔ3.
Methodology: With ethical approval, ovarian tissue was collected from patients (n=24) undergoing oopherectomy for non-ovarian pathology or primary surgery for suspected ovarian cancer. Quantitative gene expression analysis was employed for γ-SYN, ERα, and ERαΔ3. To identify the in situ localization, immunofluorescence for γ-syn was carried out.
Results: Ovarian tumour tissue exhibited an elevated expression of γ-SYN and high-grade tumours had an elevated ERαΔ3:ERα ratio compared with benign tissue. The majority of previous studies point to the γ-syn protein being present in epithelial cells of high-grade disease. Our study supports this, but additionally we conclusively identify its presence in the endothelial cells of vasculature surrounding low-grade disease; immunofluorescence was strongest in the apical cells surrounding the lumen.
Conclusion: Our results demonstrate for the first time that there are readily-expressed levels of γ-SYN and ERαΔ3 in normal ovarian tissue and ovarian tumours. In high-grade disease, γ-syn and an elevated ERαΔ3:ERα ratio might confer metastatic potential to the tumourigenic cells and promote neoangiogenesis. Future in vitro studies might be necessary to delineate such a mechanism, which could potentially be the basis of early intervention.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Archive Paper Guardians > Medical Science
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email support@archive.paperguardians.com
Date Deposited: 27 Jun 2023 07:04
Last Modified: 10 Jan 2024 04:14
URI: http://archives.articleproms.com/id/eprint/1348

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