Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026

An Improved Method for Collection of Cerebrospinal Fluid from Anesthetized Mice
Published on: March 19, 2018
Whole-genome characterization of chemoresistant ovarian cancer
Ann-Marie Patch1, Elizabeth L Christie2, Dariush Etemadmoghadam3
11] Queensland Centre for Medical Genomics, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4067, Australia [2] QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia.
Abstract:
Patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) have experienced little improvement in overall survival, and standard treatment has not advanced beyond platinum-based combination chemotherapy, during the past 30 years. To understand the drivers of clinical phenotypes better, here we use whole-genome sequencing of tumour and germline DNA samples from 92 patients with primary refractory, resistant, sensitive and matched acquired resistant disease. We show that gene breakage commonly inactivates the tumour suppressors RB1, NF1, RAD51B and PTEN in HGSC, and contributes to acquired chemotherapy resistance. CCNE1 amplification was common in primary resistant and refractory disease. We observed several molecular events associated with acquired resistance, including multiple independent reversions of germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations in individual patients, loss of BRCA1 promoter methylation, an alteration in molecular subtype, and recurrent promoter fusion associated with overexpression of the drug efflux pump MDR1.
Insights
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) shows little survival improvement. Whole-genome sequencing reveals gene breakage inactivates tumor suppressors and contributes to chemotherapy resistance, with CCNE1 amplification in primary resistant disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) has seen minimal survival improvements over 30 years, with platinum-based chemotherapy remaining the standard treatment.
- Understanding the molecular underpinnings of treatment resistance is crucial for advancing HGSC patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genomic drivers of clinical phenotypes in HGSC, focusing on primary resistance and acquired resistance to chemotherapy.
- To identify specific genetic alterations associated with treatment failure and resistance mechanisms in HGSC.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of tumor and germline DNA from 92 patients with primary refractory, resistant, sensitive, and acquired resistant HGSC.
- Analysis of genetic alterations including gene breakage, copy number variations, and promoter alterations.
Main Results:
- Gene breakage frequently inactivates tumor suppressors (RB1, NF1, RAD51B, PTEN) in HGSC, contributing to acquired chemotherapy resistance.
- CCNE1 amplification was prevalent in primary resistant and refractory HGSC.
- Acquired resistance mechanisms included BRCA1/BRCA2 reversion mutations, loss of BRCA1 promoter methylation, molecular subtype alterations, and MDR1 overexpression via promoter fusion.
Conclusions:
- Genomic instability and specific genetic alterations like CCNE1 amplification are key drivers of primary resistance in HGSC.
- Multiple distinct molecular events contribute to the development of acquired chemotherapy resistance in HGSC patients.
- These findings provide insights into HGSC heterogeneity and potential therapeutic targets for overcoming treatment resistance.
Related Concept Videos
06:40An Improved Method for Collection of Cerebrospinal Fluid from Anesthetized Mice
08:40Absolute Quantification of Aβ1-42 in CSF Using a Mass Spectrometric Reference Measurement Procedure
11:47Treating SCA1 Mice with Water-Soluble Compounds to Non-Specifically Boost Mitochondrial Function
05:51Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain
11:56A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
14:55Direct Intraventricular Delivery of Drugs to the Rodent Central Nervous System

