title: RUNX3 functions as an oncogene in ovarian cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Runt domain transcription factor, RUNX3, has been shown to be a tumor suppressor in a variety of cancers including gastric, colon and breast cancer. Interestingly, an oncogenic role for RUNX3 has also been suggested in basal cell carcinoma and head and neck cancer. Here, we explore the role of RUNX3 in ovarian cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Expression of RUNX3 mRNA and protein was evaluated in human ovarian cancer cell lines. In addition, subcellular localization of RUNX3 was also examined in cell lines and ovarian cancer tissues. Effect of exogenous RUNX3 expression and knockdown on cell proliferation was investigated by proliferation assays and a soft agar assay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Expression of RUNX3 was detected in the nucleus of ovarian cancer cell lines and ovarian cancer tissues and was found to play a growth stimulatory role. RUNX3 knockdown resulted in a decrease in cell proliferation in liquid media as well as in soft agar. Despite the fact that exogenous expression of RUNX3 strongly inhibits cell growth in many cell types, RUNX3 promoted cell growth in ovarian cancer cell lines not expressing RUNX3.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RUNX3 is frequently expressed in the nuclei of ovarian cancer cell lines and plays an oncogenic role in ovarian cancer.
authors: Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors: Cecilia Wei Lin
authors: CW
authors: Lee
authors: Linda Shyue Huey
authors: LS
authors: Chuang
authors: Shunichi
authors: S
authors: Kimura
authors: Soak Kuan
authors: SK
authors: Lai
authors: Chee Wee
authors: CW
authors: Ong
authors: Benedict
authors: B
authors: Yan
authors: Manuel
authors: M
authors: Salto-Tellez
authors: Mahesh
authors: M
authors: Choolani
authors: Yoshiaki
authors: Y
authors: Ito