Growth regulation and transformation of ovarian epithelium.
The discovery of peptide growth factors and cancer-causing genes (oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes) has provided us with the exciting opportunity to begin to understand the molecular pathology of human ovarian cancer. Activation of several genes, including HER-2/neu, myc, ras, and p53 have been described in some ovarian cancers. In addition, some protooncogenes such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (erbB) and the M-CSF receptor (fms) are expressed along with the respective ligands (peptide growth factors) in some ovarian cancers. Although the studies reviewed in this paper represent a promising beginning, we remain far from a comprehensive understanding of growth regulation and transformation of human ovarian epithelium.
Berchuck
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, Durham, North Carolina.
Kohler
M F
MF
Boente
M P
MP
Rodriguez
G C
GC
Whitaker
R S
RS
Bast
R C
RC
D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000473:pathology*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D010053:Ovary / Q000473:pathology