Expression and localization of Bcl-2 related proteins in human ovarian cancers.
BACKGROUND
Interactions between Bcl-2 and its related proteins regulate cell death in a number of tissues including the ovary. Some Bcl-2-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xLong, MCl-1, and Dad-1) function as cell death repressors, whereas others (Bax, Bcl-xShort, Bak, and Bad) facilitate apoptosis.


METHODS
Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry using specific antisera were performed with a panel of human ovarian carcinomas and normal human ovaries.


RESULTS
All Bcl-2 related proteins were expressed in normal and malignant ovarian tissues. Higher levels of Bcl-2 versus Bcl-xLong were observed in normal ovary by immunoblotting, compared to a majority of cancer samples. Increased levels of death-inducing Bax were related to malignant transformation across all types of ovarian cancer included in this study.


CONCLUSIONS
The results provide further evidence that a balance of expression among Bcl-2 family members may regulate ovarian cancer cell survival.
Witty
J P
JP
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
Jensen
R A
RA
Johnson
A L
AL
D017209:Apoptosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015151:Immunoblotting; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D064549:Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D050998:bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein; D051020:bcl-X Protein
C494772:BAK1 protein, human; C494826:BAX protein, human; C494811:BCL2L1 protein, human; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D064549:Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D050998:bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein; D051020:bcl-X Protein