Differential molecular pathway expression according to chemotherapeutic response in ovarian clear cell carcinoma

Abstract

Objective Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a distinct entity from epithelial ovarian cancer. The prognosis of advanced and recurrent disease is very poor due to resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Our aim was to explore the molecular alterations among OCCC patients with different chemotherapeutic responses and to obtain insights into potential biomarkers. Methods Twenty-four OCCC patients were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups based on the relapse time after the first-line platinum-based chemotherapy: the platinum-sensitive group (PS) and the platinum-resistant group (PR). Gene expression profiling was performed using NanoString nCounter PanCancer Pathways Panel. Results Gene expression analysis comparing PR vs. PS identified 32 differentially expressed genes: 17 upregulated genes and 15 downregulated genes. Most of these genes are involved in the PI3K, MAPK and Cell Cycle-Apoptosis pathways. In particular, eight genes are involved in two or all three pathways. Conclusion The dysregulated genes in the PI3K, MAPK, and Cell Cycle-Apoptosis pathways identified and postulated mechanisms could help to probe biomarkers of OCCC platinum sensitivity, providing a research basis for further exploration of targeted therapy. Graphic abstract

High Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Count Is Associated with Distinct Gene Expression Profile and Longer Patient Survival in Advanced Ovarian Cancer

“…The comparison of our results with previous data was limited to studies using the PanCancer ® gene expression profiling kits manufactured by NanoString, supplemented by studies in which similar comparisons were performed. Of the studies using any of the NanoString nCounter ® product line-up [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ], the same PanCancer ® IO360 TM system used in our study was investigated in three [ 12 , 15 , 51 ]. In the study of James et al [ 15 ], immunologic changes resulting from neoadjuvant chemotherapy exposure were investigated.…”

Fibroblast Growth Factor 11 (FGF11) Promotes Progression and Cisplatin Resistance Through the HIF-1α/FGF11 Signaling Axis in Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma

“…Total RNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues and quality check were performed as we previously described. 12 NanoString nCounter is a multiplex nucleic acid hybridization technology that allows accurate and reproducible measurement of gene expression. 13 As previously described, we conducted gene expression profiling using the PanCancer Pathways Panel and analyzed the data using nSolver 4.0 software.…”

“… 13 As previously described, we conducted gene expression profiling using the PanCancer Pathways Panel and analyzed the data using nSolver 4.0 software. 12 …”