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Updated: Mar 3, 2026
Heterogeneity Mapping of Protein Expression in Tumors using Quantitative Immunofluorescence
Published on: October 25, 2011
Immunohistochemical evaluation of epithelial ovarian carcinomas identifies three different expression patterns of the
Kristina Levan1,2, Matin Mehryar3, Constantina Mateoiu4
1Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden. kristina.levan@gu.se.
Background:
To characterize the expression of the membrane transporter NaPi2b and antigen targeted by the MX35 antibody in ovarian tumor samples. The current interest to develop monoclonal antibody based therapy of ovarian cancer by targeting NaPi2b emphasizes the need for detailed knowledge and characterization of the expression pattern of this protein. For the majority of patients with ovarian carcinoma the risk of being diagnosed in late stages with extensive loco-regional spread disease is substantial, which stresses the need to develop improved therapeutic agents.
Methods:
The gene and protein expression of SLC34A2/NaPi2b were analyzed in ovarian carcinoma tissues by QPCR (n = 73) and immunohistochemistry (n = 136). The expression levels and antigen localization were established and compared to the tumor characteristics and clinical data.
Results:
Positive staining for the target protein, NaPi2b was detected for 93% of the malignant samples, and we identified three separate distribution patterns of the antigen within the tumors, based on the localization of NaPi2b. There were differences in the staining intensity as well as the distribution pattern when comparing the tumor grade and histology, the mucinous tumors presented a significantly lower expression of both the targeted protein and its related gene.
Conclusion:
Our study identified differences regarding the level of the antigen expression between tumor grade and histology. We have identified differences in the antigen localization between borderline tumors, type 1 and type 2 tumors, and suggest that a pathological evaluation of NaPi2b in the tumors would be helpful in order to know which patients that would benefit from this targeted therapy.
Insights
This study characterized NaPi2b expression in ovarian tumors, finding it in 93% of malignant samples. Pathological evaluation of NaPi2b may help identify patients for targeted MX35 antibody therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at late stages, necessitating improved therapeutic strategies.
- Targeting the NaPi2b membrane transporter with MX35 antibody-based therapy is a promising avenue for ovarian cancer treatment.
- Detailed characterization of NaPi2b expression is crucial for developing effective targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the expression and localization of the NaPi2b transporter in ovarian tumor samples.
- To investigate the correlation between NaPi2b expression patterns and ovarian tumor characteristics.
- To assess the potential of NaPi2b as a target for MX35 antibody-based ovarian cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative PCR (QPCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze gene and protein expression of SLC34A2/NaPi2b.
- Ovarian carcinoma tissues (n=73 for QPCR, n=136 for IHC) were examined.
- Expression levels and antigen localization were correlated with tumor grade, histology, and clinical data.
Main Results:
- NaPi2b protein expression was detected in 93% of malignant ovarian tumor samples.
- Three distinct patterns of NaPi2b antigen distribution were identified within tumors.
- Mucinous tumors showed significantly lower NaPi2b gene and protein expression compared to other types.
- Differences in NaPi2b expression intensity and distribution were observed based on tumor grade and histology.
Conclusions:
- NaPi2b expression levels and localization vary with ovarian tumor grade and histology.
- Distinct NaPi2b antigen localization patterns were noted in borderline, type 1, and type 2 ovarian tumors.
- Pathological evaluation of NaPi2b expression is recommended to guide patient selection for NaPi2b-targeted therapies, such as MX35 antibody treatment.
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