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Activation of mammalian target of rapamycin in postmenopausal ovarian endometriosis

T Yagyu1, Y Tsuji, S Haruta

  • 1NetForce Co. Ltd., Nakamura, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.

International Journal of Gynecological Cancer : Official Journal of the International Gynecological Cancer Society
|August 4, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation is elevated in ovarian cancer and postmenopausal endometriosis. This suggests potential roles for these signaling pathways in disease development and progression.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Gynecology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition.
  • Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of gynecologic cancer mortality.
  • The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is crucial in cell growth and survival.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the activation status of Akt and mTOR in endometriosis and ovarian cancer.
  • To compare the levels of activated Akt and mTOR between different patient groups.

Main Methods:

  • Western blot analysis was used to quantify total and phosphorylated levels of Akt and mTOR.
  • Antibodies specific to Akt and mTOR proteins were employed.
  • Signal quantification was normalized to total protein levels and beta-actin.

Main Results:

  • Elevated phospho-Akt was observed in ovarian cancer compared to premenopausal endometriosis and in postmenopausal endometriosis.
  • Phospho-mTOR levels were higher in ovarian cancer and postmenopausal endometriosis versus premenopausal endometriosis.
  • Total kinase expression was higher in ovarian cancer specimens compared to endometriosis.

Conclusions:

  • Akt and mTOR signaling pathways are activated in ovarian cancer and endometriosis.
  • Specific activation patterns of Akt and mTOR were noted in postmenopausal endometriosis.
  • These findings highlight the potential involvement of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and ovarian cancer.

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