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Collagenase expression in ovarian cancer cell lines
D H Moore1, B Allison, K Y Look
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis 46202, USA.
Gynecologic Oncology
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) collagenase is expressed by ovarian cancer cells. Phorbol esters, like TPA, can regulate MMP-9 expression and activity in these cells, suggesting a role in cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade extracellular matrix components.
- Type IV collagenases, such as MMP-9, are crucial for basement membrane degradation during metastasis.
- MMP-9 expression in ovarian cancer cell lines is investigated due to its role in cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in ovarian cancer cell lines.
- To determine the effect of phorbol esters (TPA) on MMP-9 expression and collagenase activity.
- To assess the potential regulation of MMP-9 by the protein kinase C pathway in ovarian cancer.
Main Methods:
- Six ovarian cancer cell lines (Hey, HeyA8, CAOV3, PA-1, SKOV3, OVCAR3) and HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells were treated with TPA or vehicle.
- MMP-9 expression was analyzed using Northern blot analysis.
- MMP-9 collagenase activity was assessed via polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis-zymography.
Main Results:
- PA-1 cells exhibited over a 10-fold increase in MMP-9 RNA levels after TPA treatment compared to other lines.
- Four out of six ovarian cancer cell lines showed increased MMP-9 expression and activity in response to TPA.
- Two cell lines demonstrated no detectable MMP-9 activity, even after TPA stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Ovarian cancer cell lines express collagenase activity, specifically MMP-9.
- Phorbol esters (TPA) can modulate MMP-9 expression and activity in ovarian cancer cells.
- These findings suggest that MMP-9 expression in ovarian cancer may be regulated by phorbol ester-activated pathways, potentially involving protein kinase C.