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Heterotypic Three-dimensional In Vitro Modeling of Stromal-Epithelial Interactions During Ovarian Cancer Initiation and Progression
Published on: August 28, 2012
ELF5 in epithelial ovarian carcinoma tissues and biological behavior in ovarian carcinoma cells
Hongchao Yan1, Linglin Qiu1, Xiaolei Xie1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China.
Abstract:
The expression of E74-like factor 5 (ELF5) in epithelial ovarian carcinoma tissues and its effects on biological behavior in ovarian carcinoma cells were assessed in search for a new approach for gene treatment of epithelial ovarian carcinoma. RT-PCR technology was applied to detect the expression of ELF5 mRNA in epithelial ovarian carcinoma (n=49), borderline ovarian epithelial tumor (n=19), benign ovarian epithelial tumor (n=31) and normal ovarian tissues (n=40). Then, we transfected recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1‑ELF5+EGFP into human ovarian carcinoma SKOV3 cells (recombinant plasmid group) in vitro and screened out stably transfected cells to conduct multiplication culture. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of ELF5 protein in the different groups. Flow cytometry was employed to detect cell apoptosis and cycles. ELF5 mRNA in epithelial ovarian carcinoma and borderline ovarian epithelial tumor tissues were significantly lower (P<0.05) than those in benign ovarian epithelial tumor and normal ovarian tissues. ELF5 protein expression in the cells of recombinant plasmid group was significantly higher compared with empty plasmid and blank control groups. The capacity of cell reproductive recombinant plasmid group at each time point decreased (P<0.05). Flow cytometry detection showed that 67.03% of cells in recombinant plasmid group was blocked in G0/G1 phase (P<0.05), compared with empty plasmid group (37.17%) and blank control group (38.24%). Apoptotic rate of recombinant plasmid group was significantly lower (31.4±1.9%; P<0.05), compared with that of empty plasmid group (9.1±2.2%) and blank control group (8.7±1.5%), and the differences were statistically significant. In conclusion, ELF5 interfered with cell cycle of human ovarian carcinoma SKOV3 cells and promoted apoptosis of human ovarian carcinoma SKOV3 cells inhibiting their growth and invasive capacity; and thus providing a new approach to gene treatment of ovarian carcinoma.
Insights
Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) shows reduced expression of E74-like factor 5 (ELF5). Restoring ELF5 inhibits EOC cell growth and invasion, suggesting ELF5 as a potential gene therapy target for EOC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality.
- Identifying novel therapeutic targets for EOC is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- The role of E74-like factor 5 (ELF5) in EOC pathogenesis requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression levels of ELF5 in various ovarian tissues.
- To evaluate the impact of ELF5 on the biological behavior of ovarian carcinoma cells.
- To explore the potential of ELF5 as a target for gene therapy in EOC.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative RT-PCR to assess ELF5 mRNA expression in EOC, borderline, benign, and normal ovarian tissues.
- In vitro transfection of human ovarian carcinoma SKOV3 cells with a recombinant plasmid expressing ELF5.
- Western blot analysis to confirm ELF5 protein expression.
- Flow cytometry to analyze cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rates.
Main Results:
- ELF5 mRNA expression was significantly lower in EOC and borderline tumors compared to benign and normal tissues.
- Overexpression of ELF5 in SKOV3 cells led to increased ELF5 protein levels.
- ELF5 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest.
- Restoration of ELF5 significantly increased the apoptotic rate in ovarian carcinoma cells.
Conclusions:
- ELF5 expression is downregulated in epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
- ELF5 plays an inhibitory role in the proliferation and invasion of ovarian carcinoma cells.
- ELF5 holds promise as a novel target for gene therapy in epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
