Korean J Pathol.  2006 Aug;40(4):274-281.

Alteration of G1/S Cell Cycle Regulatory Proteins in Ovarian Epithelial Tumors

• Kim JY
• Kim HW
• Choi KU
• Lee CH
• Sol MY
• Kang HJ
• Shin DH

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Disturbances of the cell cycle regulatory proteins are key events underlying the development and/or progression of human malignancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of G1/S cell cycle regulatory proteins in ovarian epithelial tumor.
METHODS
We simultaneously evaluated the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, CDK4, CDK2, p16, Rb, E2F1, p53 and the Ki67 labelling index (LI) by immunohistochemical methods in 148 cases of ovarian epithelial tumor of the benign (n=47), borderline (n=29), and malignant type (n=72).
RESULTS
The expression of cyclin E, CDK2, p16, Rb, E2F1, p53 and the Ki67 LI gradually increased from the benign type, through the borderline type, to the malignant tumors. Between the borderline and malignant tumors, the increased expression of cyclin E, E2F1, and p53, and the decreased expression of Rb were significantly associated with malignancy. The reduced Rb expression and the increased E2F1 expression were correlated with the FIGO stage and the histologic grade in the malignant ovarian epithelial tumors.
CONCLUSIONS
Cyclin E, E2F1, and p53 overexpressions and the loss of Rb are the important components during carcinogenesis of ovarian epithelial tumors. Our results suggest that in- creased expression of E2F1 should be considered as a new parameter for the prognosis of patients with malignant ovarian epithelial tumors.

Keyword

Ovary; Epithelial Neoplasm; Cell cycle; E2F1 transcription factor

MeSH Terms

Carcinogenesis
Cell Cycle Proteins*
Cell Cycle*
Cyclin D1
Cyclin E
Cyclins
E2F1 Transcription Factor
Female
Humans
Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial
Ovary
Prognosis
Cell Cycle Proteins
Cyclin D1
Cyclin E
Cyclins
E2F1 Transcription Factor