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Expression of the opioid growth factor-opioid growth factor receptor axis in human ovarian cancer

James Fanning1, Carrie A Hossler, Joshua P Kesterson

  • 1Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pennsylvania State University, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA. jfanning1@hmc.psu.edu

Gynecologic Oncology
|November 1, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The opioid growth factor (OGF) and its receptor (OGFr) pathway is present in ovarian cancer but diminished. Targeting this OGF-OGFr axis may offer a novel biologic-based therapy for ovarian cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The opioid growth factor (OGF) and its receptor (OGFr) axis regulates cell proliferation in normal and cancerous cells.
  • Understanding the OGF-OGFr pathway in ovarian cancer is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and relative expression of OGF and OGFr in normal human ovarian surface epithelial (HOSE) cells, benign ovarian cysts, and ovarian cancers.
  • To assess the functional binding capacity of OGFr in these tissues.

Main Methods:

  • Surgical samples from ovarian cancer (n=16) and benign ovarian cysts (n=27) were analyzed.
  • Normal HOSE cells were obtained from postmenopausal women.
  • Semiquantitative immunohistochemistry and receptor binding assays were employed to quantify OGF and OGFr levels and binding capacity.

Main Results:

  • OGF and OGFr were detected in HOSE cells, ovarian cysts, and ovarian cancers.
  • Protein levels of OGF and OGFr were significantly reduced in ovarian cysts and cancers compared to HOSE cells.
  • Ovarian cancers exhibited significantly fewer OGFr binding sites compared to benign cysts.

Conclusions:

  • The OGF-OGFr axis is present in human ovarian cancer, but its expression is diminished.
  • The reduced expression of OGF and OGFr suggests a potential therapeutic target.
  • Harnessing the OGF-OGFr pathway could lead to novel biologic-based treatments for ovarian cancer.

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