title: Extracellular matrix of ovarian tumors.
abstract: Tumor cells interfere with the normal programming of extracellular matrix (ECM) biosynthesis and can extensively modify the structure and composition of the matrix. The role of ECM components is becoming increasingly recognized as an important determinant for the growth and progression of solid tumors. The extensive remodeling of the normal ECM in tumors can proceed through the degradation of pre-existing ECM molecules and/or by the neosynthesis of ECM components, which in many cases are not present in the ECM of normal tissues. In the ovary the ECM comprises a variety of molecules including the collagen superfamily and noncollagenous proteins such as glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and hyaluronan. Elevated levels of laminin-gamma2, collagen types I and III, fibronectin, syndecan-1, glypican-1, versican, and hyaluronan and its receptors CD44 have all been associated with a poor prognosis of ovarian cancers. Generally, there is a differential expression of laminin chains alpha1, alpha4, and beta2 among serous (alpha1, beta2), mucinous (alpha4), and endometrioid (alpha1) tumors. This review focuses on these and other ECM molecules in ovarian tumors.
authors.affiliation: Research Centre for Reproductive Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. carmela.ricciardelli@adelaide.edu.au
authors.forename: Carmela
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ricciardelli
authors.forename: Raymond J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Rodgers
mesh_terms: D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins