PAX8 expression in high-grade serous ovarian cancer positively regulates attachment to ECM via Integrin β3

Ovarian cancer is the third most common cause of death among gynecologic malignancies worldwide. Understanding the biology and molecular pathogenesis of ovarian epithelial tumors is key to developing improved prognostic indicators and effective therapies. We aimed to determine the effects of PAX8 expression on the migrative, adhesive and survival capabilities of high-grade serous carcinoma cells.

PAX8 depleted Fallopian tube secretory cells and ovarian cancer cells were generated using short interfering siRNA. Anoikis resistance, cell migration and adhesion properties of PAX8 silenced cells were analyzed by means of specific assays. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was carried out using a PAX8 polyclonal antibody to demonstrate that PAX8 is able to bind to the 5'-flanking region of the ITGB3 gene positively regulating its expression.

Here, we report that RNAi silencing of PAX8 sensitizes non-adherent cancer cells to anoikis and affects their tumorigenic properties. We show that PAX8 plays a critical role in migration and adhesion of both Fallopian tube secretory epithelial cells and ovarian cancer cells. Inhibition of PAX8 gene expression reduces the ability of ovarian cancer cells to migrate and adhere to the ECM and specifically to fibronectin and/or collagen substrates. Moreover, loss of PAX8 strongly reduces ITGB3 expression and consequently the correct expression of the αvβ3 heterodimer on the plasma membrane.

Our results demonstrate that PAX8 modulates the interaction of tumor cells with the extracellular matrix (ECM). Notably, we also highlight a novel pathway downstream this transcription factor. Overall, PAX8 could be a potential therapeutic target for high-grade serous carcinoma.