S1P stimulates chemotactic migration and invasion in OVCAR3 ovarian cancer cells
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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Assessment of Ovarian Cancer Spheroid Attachment and Invasion of Mesothelial Cells in Real Time
Published on: May 20, 2014
Kyoung Sun Park1, Mi-Kyoung Kim, Ha Young Lee
1Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan 602-714, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
OVCAR3 ovarian cancer cells express three sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptors, S1P(1), S1P(2), and S1P(3), but not S1P(4). Stimulation of OVCAR3 cells with S1P induced intracellular calcium increases, which were partly inhibited by VPC 23019 (an S1P(1/3) antagonist). S1P-induced calcium increases were mediated by phospholipase C and pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G-proteins in OVCAR3 cells. S1P stimulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38 kinase, and Akt which were inhibited by PTX. S1P-stimulated chemotactic migration of OVCAR3 cells in a PTX-sensitive manner, indicating crucial role of G(i) protein(s) in the process. S1P-induced chemotactic migration of OVCAR3 cells was completely inhibited by LY294002 and SB203580. Pretreatment of VPC 23019 (an S1P(1/3) antagonist) completely inhibited S1P-induced chemotaxis. S1P also induced invasion of OVCAR3 cells, which was also inhibited by VPC 23019. Taken together, this study suggests that S1P stimulate chemotactic migration and cellular invasion, and VPC 23019-sensitive S1P receptor(s) might be involved in the processes.
Insights
Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) stimulates ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion through specific S1P receptors. These processes involve G-protein signaling pathways and are inhibited by VPC 23019, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Pharmacology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR3) express sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptors S1P(1), S1P(2), and S1P(3).
- S1P signaling pathways are implicated in various cellular processes, including cancer cell behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of S1P receptors in OVCAR3 cell migration and invasion.
- To elucidate the signaling mechanisms underlying S1P-induced cellular responses in ovarian cancer.
Main Methods:
- Stimulation of OVCAR3 cells with S1P and measurement of intracellular calcium.
- Assessment of S1P-mediated activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38 kinase, and Akt.
- Analysis of S1P-induced chemotactic migration and invasion using inhibitors like VPC 23019, LY294002, and SB203580.
- Pertussis toxin (PTX) treatment to assess the role of G(i) proteins.
Main Results:
- S1P induced intracellular calcium increases, partially inhibited by VPC 23019 (S1P(1/3) antagonist).
- S1P-induced calcium increases and kinase activations (ERK, p38, Akt) were mediated by phospholipase C and PTX-sensitive G-proteins.
- S1P stimulated OVCAR3 cell chemotactic migration and invasion in a PTX-sensitive manner.
- VPC 23019, LY294002, and SB203580 significantly inhibited S1P-induced migration and invasion.
Conclusions:
- S1P promotes OVCAR3 cell chemotactic migration and invasion.
- G(i) protein signaling pathways are crucial for S1P-mediated cellular responses.
- VPC 23019-sensitive S1P receptor(s) are involved in S1P-induced migration and invasion, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets in ovarian cancer.
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