EGF-receptor regulation of matrix metalloproteinases in epithelial ovarian carcinoma
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Modeling the Early Steps of Ovarian Cancer Dissemination in an Organotypic Culture of the Human Peritoneal Cavity
Published on: December 31, 2015
Laurie G Hudson1, Natalie M Moss, M Sharon Stack
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
Abstract:
Ovarian carcinoma is most frequently detected when disease has already disseminated intra-abdominally, resulting in a 5-year survival rate of less than 20% owing to complications of metastasis. Peritoneal ascites is often present, establishing a unique microenvironmental niche comprised of tumor and inflammatory cells, along with a wide range of bioactive soluble factors, several of which stimulate the EGF-receptor (EGFR). Elevated EGFR is associated with less favorable disease outcome in ovarian cancer, related in part to EGFR activation of signaling cascades that lead to enhanced matrix metalloproteinase expression and/or function. The available data suggest that modulating the expression or activity of the EGFR and/or matrix metalloproteinases offers opportunity for targeted intervention in patients with metastatic disease.
Related Concept Videos
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM
A...
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
The Tumor Microenvironment
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR activation may...
The Extracellular Matrix