MAP3K3 overexpression is associated with poor survival in ovarian carcinoma

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 3 (MAP3K3) is ubiquitously expressed in numerous tissues and is activated by various extracellular stimuli to regulate processes, such as cell proliferation and differentiation. Recent studies have identified potentially pathologic conditions of MAP3K3 as an oncogene that promotes tumor progression and metastasis in a number of malignancies. However, the clinical significance of MAP3K3 expression in ovarian carcinoma (OC) remains unclear. In this study, the correlation between MAP3K3 expression and OC prognosis was assessed by immunohistochemistry. MAP3K3 overexpression was observed in 59.1% (55/93) of OCs and was significantly associated with histological type and grade, chemotherapy response, and challenge model (P < .05, respectively). MAP3K3 overexpression was also used as an independent prognostic marker for decreased disease-free survival and overall survival. In OC cell lines, MAP3K3 expression was evaluated by Western blot analysis, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence. High MAP3K3 expression is significantly detected in SKOV3, C13*, and A2780 cells. All these findings suggested that MAP3K3 overexpression is an independent poor prognostic indicator of OC and can be a clinically effective biomarker of OC.