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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Integration of Bioinformatics Approaches and Experimental Validations to Understand the Role of Notch Signaling in Ovarian Cancer
Published on: January 12, 2020
Pathogenesis of ovarian cancer: clues from selected overexpressed genes
1Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21212, USA. ishih@jhmi.edu
Abstract:
Ovarian cancer is the most malignant gynecologic neoplasm. Although new chemotherapeutic agents have improved patients' 5-year survival rate, the overall mortality of ovarian cancer has remained largely unchanged in the past several decades. The main reason for the lack of success in effectively treating ovarian cancer is our limited understanding of its etiology and the very few molecular diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets known so far. Identification and characterization of ovarian cancer-associated genes are fundamental for unveiling the pathogenesis of its initiation and progression, especially the development of recurrent diseases. As there are a vast number of genes for which molecular genetic changes and aberrant gene expression have been reported in ovarian cancer, this review will only focus on summarizing those exemplified genes that have been demonstrated to have biological functions in promoting ovarian cancer development and potential clinical significance. The genes to be discussed include nuclear proteins (Notch3, HBXAP [Rsf-1], NAC1 and NFkappaB), cytoplasmic proteins (fatty acid synthase and apolipoprotein E) and cell surface/secretory proteins (mucin-4, mesothelin, claudin, HLA-G, kallikrein and folate receptor and osteopontin). Since the study of ovarian cancer-associated genes is complicated by several factors unique to ovarian cancer, we will also present our views on the limitations and challenges of current ovarian cancer research.
Insights
Ovarian cancer remains deadly due to limited understanding of its causes. This review highlights key genes involved in ovarian cancer development, offering potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Genetics
Background:
- Ovarian cancer is a highly lethal gynecologic neoplasm with stagnant mortality rates despite advances in chemotherapy.
- Limited understanding of ovarian cancer etiology, molecular diagnostic markers, and therapeutic targets hinders effective treatment.
- Identifying and characterizing ovarian cancer-associated genes is crucial for understanding pathogenesis and developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review exemplified genes with demonstrated biological functions in promoting ovarian cancer development.
- To summarize genes with potential clinical significance for ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- To discuss the limitations and challenges in current ovarian cancer gene research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on genes with reported molecular genetic changes and aberrant expression in ovarian cancer.
- Categorization of discussed genes into nuclear, cytoplasmic, and cell surface/secretory proteins.
- Synthesis of information on biological functions and clinical relevance of selected ovarian cancer-associated genes.
Main Results:
- Discussion of nuclear proteins (Notch3, HBXAP [Rsf-1], NAC1, NFkappaB) implicated in ovarian cancer.
- Summary of cytoplasmic proteins (fatty acid synthase, apolipoprotein E) involved in ovarian cancer progression.
- Overview of cell surface/secretory proteins (mucin-4, mesothelin, claudin, HLA-G, kallikrein, folate receptor, osteopontin) and their roles in ovarian cancer.
Conclusions:
- Specific genes, including nuclear, cytoplasmic, and cell surface proteins, play significant roles in ovarian cancer initiation, progression, and recurrence.
- These identified genes represent potential targets for novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic strategies.
- Current research faces challenges unique to ovarian cancer, necessitating further investigation into gene functions and clinical applications.
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