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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
Evaluation of Stem Cell Properties in Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cells Using Multi and Single Cell-based Spheres Assays
Published on: January 3, 2015
A useful cell system for studying the regulation of 17HSD/KSR type 2 activity and expression in ovarian epithelial
Pierre R Provost1, Paul H Lima, Yves Tremblay
1Reproduction Axis, Perinatal and Child Health, CHUQ, PCHUL, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and CRBR, Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada.
Abstract:
17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/17-ketosteroid reductase (17HSD/KSR) activity and 17HSD/KSR types 1, 2, 4, and 5 mRNA levels were characterized in ovarian cancer cell lines derived from patients unexposed to radiation or chemotherapy. Activity was at the limit of detection in TOV-112D and TOV-21G cells. Activity in OV-90 was comparable to that in human placental tissue, was predominantly microsomal and was 17HSD/KSR type 2-like in substrate specificity and inhibition patterns. In monolayers, conversion of testosterone (T) to androstenedione (A) was 12-fold greater than that of A to T. Reduction of fetal bovine serum to 0.3% in the culture medium had no effect on 17β-HSD activity. Significant levels of type 1 and type 2 mRNAs were observed in OV-90 while only trace amounts were detected in TOV-21G. In contrast, type 4 mRNA levels were comparable for OV-90 and TOV-21G. Type 5 mRNA was detected in both cell lines but its level in OV-90 was twice that of TOV-21G. In OV-90, the type 2-like activity was predominant even though the type 5 mRNA level was 2.5-fold higher than that of the type 2. OV-90 cells may be a useful system for studying the regulation of 17HSD/KSR type 2 activity and expression in ovarian epithelial cancer.
Insights
Ovarian cancer cells show varying 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/17-ketosteroid reductase (17HSD/KSR) activity. OV-90 cells exhibit significant type 2-like 17HSD/KSR activity, making them a model for studying this enzyme in ovarian cancer.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/17-ketosteroid reductase (17HSD/KSR) enzymes play crucial roles in steroid metabolism.
- Dysregulation of 17HSD/KSR is implicated in various cancers, including ovarian cancer.
- Understanding 17HSD/KSR expression and activity in ovarian cancer cell lines is vital for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize 17HSD/KSR activity and mRNA expression of types 1, 2, 4, and 5 in ovarian cancer cell lines.
- To evaluate OV-90 cells as a model system for studying 17HSD/KSR type 2 activity and expression in ovarian epithelial cancer.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme activity assays were performed on ovarian cancer cell lines (TOV-112D, TOV-21G, OV-90).
- mRNA levels for 17HSD/KSR types 1, 2, 4, and 5 were quantified using RT-PCR.
- Substrate specificity and inhibition patterns were analyzed for 17HSD/KSR activity.
Main Results:
- 17HSD/KSR activity was minimal in TOV-112D and TOV-21G cells.
- OV-90 cells displayed significant microsomal 17HSD/KSR activity, similar to human placental tissue, with a predominant type 2-like profile.
- OV-90 cells showed high mRNA levels for 17HSD/KSR types 1 and 2, comparable levels for type 4, and higher levels for type 5 compared to TOV-21G.
Conclusions:
- OV-90 cells exhibit significant type 2-like 17HSD/KSR activity, suggesting their utility for studying this enzyme's regulation in ovarian cancer.
- Despite higher type 5 mRNA, type 2-like activity predominates in OV-90 cells, indicating complex regulatory mechanisms.
- Further investigation into OV-90 cells can elucidate the role of 17HSD/KSR type 2 in ovarian epithelial cancer progression.
