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Updated: Oct 3, 2025
14:25
Assessment of Ovarian Cancer Spheroid Attachment and Invasion of Mesothelial Cells in Real Time
Published on: May 20, 2014
17.5K
Microtentacle Formation in Ovarian Carcinoma
Jocelyn C Reader1,2, Cong Fan1, Eleanor Claire-Higgins Ory3
1Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
Cancers
|February 15, 2022
Summary
Ovarian cancers form microtentacles (McTNs), which are tubulin-based cell projections. These structures may drive metastasis and represent a novel therapeutic target for ovarian cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Chemoresistance to paclitaxel and carboplatin is a significant challenge in ovarian cancer.
- Malignant ascites and extrapelvic metastasis are common in ovarian cancer.
- Microtentacles (McTNs), tubulin-based projections, are observed in detached breast cancer cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the presence and biology of McTNs in ovarian cancer.
- Characterize McTN morphology and expression in different ovarian cancer cell lines and patient samples.
- Determine the role of McTNs in ovarian cancer cell behavior and potential therapeutic targeting.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a lipid-tethering mechanism for imaging individual cancer cells.
- Examined immortalized serous (OSC) and clear cell (OCCC) ovarian cancer cell lines, ascites, and human ovarian surface epithelium (HOSE).
- Assessed protein expression (tubulin, actin regulators) and effects of microtubule-targeting drugs.
Main Results:
- Up to 30% of ovarian cancer cells exhibited McTNs with varying morphologies.
- McTN presence and length correlated with histology and metastatic potential.
- Microtubule-targeting drugs reduced McTN formation, confirming their tubulin composition. McTNs may promote cell aggregation.
Conclusions:
- Microtentacles (McTNs) are present in ovarian cancer and likely contribute to metastasis.
- McTNs represent a potential new therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.
- Targeting McTNs could enhance therapies, including intraperitoneal drug delivery.
Keywords:
clear cell carcinomaepothiloneintraperitoneal chemotherapyixabepilonemicrotentaclemicrotubulesovarian cancerpaclitaxelserous carcinomataxaneMore Related Videos
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