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Functional calcium-sensing receptor expression in ovarian surface epithelial cells
1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201-3098, USA.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|March 21, 1998
Summary
Human ovarian surface epithelial cells express calcium-sensing receptors, which regulate cell growth. Extracellular calcium influences the proliferation of these cells, suggesting a role for calcium-sensing receptors in ovarian cancer.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Endocrinology
- Gynecologic Oncology
Background:
- Ovarian surface epithelial cells (OSECs) are the cell type from which most ovarian cancers arise.
- The role of extracellular calcium in regulating OSEC proliferation is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of calcium-sensing receptors (CaSR) in human OSECs.
- To determine if extracellular calcium modulates OSEC proliferation.
Main Methods:
- CaSR expression was assessed using Northern hybridization and immunoblot analysis.
- Functional responses were evaluated via inositol triphosphate analysis and intracellular calcium release measurements.
- Proliferation was quantified using thymidine incorporation and growth curve analysis.
Main Results:
- Human OSECs express CaSR mRNA and protein.
- Increased extracellular calcium (above 0.8 mmol/L) significantly enhanced proliferation in normal OSECs.
- Some ovarian tumor cell lines overexpressed CaSR mRNA.
- OSEC CaSR responded to gadolinium with increased inositol triphosphate production and calcium release.
Conclusions:
- Human OSECs are subject to growth regulation by extracellular calcium.
- Calcium-sensing receptors likely mediate the proliferative effects of extracellular calcium in OSECs.
- CaSR may represent a therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.