Overexpression of p34cdc2 protein kinase in epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of expression of p34cdc2 protein kinase in normal, benign, and malignant ovarian epithelium.


METHODS
Tissue sections from 24 patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) along with 6 normal ovarian specimens and 12 benign cystadenomas were incubated with mouse IgG monoclonal antibody to human p34cdc2 protein kinase, followed by detection with use of a standard peroxidase-labeled streptavidin-biotin technique. Immunohistochemical staining was graded and compared. Clinical data were also reviewed.


RESULTS
Normal surface epithelium and 10 of 12 benign cystadenomas failed to stain for p34cdc2 protein kinase. Of the 24 EOC specimens, however, 19 (79%) stained positively. The staining pattern or intensity was not associated with the histologic grade or surgical stage.


CONCLUSIONS
Expression of p34cdc2 protein kinase is strongly up-regulated in most cases of EOC but not in normal epithelial ovarian tissue or in most cases of benign epithelial tumors evaluated. Therefore, it may be associated with early events in carcinogenesis. Redundant overexpression of cyclin-dependent kinases such as p34cdc2 may contribute to deranged cell cycle progression and proliferation of EOC. Observation of overexpression of p34cdc2 protein kinase in other malignant lesions suggests a common mechanism.
Barrette
B A
BA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Srivatsa
P J
PJ
Cliby
W A
WA
Keeney
G L
GL
Suman
V J
VJ
Podratz
K C
KC
Roche
P C
PC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016203:CDC2 Protein Kinase / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D003537:Cystadenoma / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D010053:Ovary / Q000201:enzymology; D015854:Up-Regulation
D016203:CDC2 Protein Kinase