Epidermal growth factor receptor expression in normal ovarian epithelium and ovarian cancer
Article Abstract:
Epidermal growth factor is a small protein that increases the growth of a wide variety of cells. Its receptor is a protein embedded on the surface membranes of these target cells and, when bound by epidermal growth factor, changes its structure and leads to other changes within the target cell. Epidermal growth factor and its receptor are thought to be involved in normal processes of cell growth and differentiation (specialization of cell function), and may also be implicated in some human cancers. Some cells may escape normal regulation of cell size by making their own growth factors to which they can respond. A previous study found that some ovarian cancer cell types grow following treatment with epidermal growth factor. To determine whether responsiveness to epidermal growth factor correlates with the presence of receptor, the level and characteristics of epidermal growth factor receptor in several types of ovarian cancer cells and in normal ovarian cells were studied. Normal ovarian cells responded well to epidermal growth factor, and normal ovarian cells and all types of cancerous ovarian cells, regardless of response to the factor, contained receptors for the growth factor. No relationship between receptor characteristics or amount and response to epidermal growth factor was found. The study indicates that different responsiveness of normal and cancerous ovarian cells to epidermal growth factor is not related to different amounts of growth factor receptors. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1991
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p53 overexpression in advanced-stage endometrial adenocarcinoma
Article Abstract:
Overproduction of the p53 tumor suppressor gene may predict poor survival in advanced-stage endometrial cancer and may explain why black women have poorer outcomes. Researchers examined the amount of p53 overexpression in endometrial cancers removed from 179 white, black, and American Indian women. Thirty-five percent of cancers revealed p53 overexpression and were more common among advanced stage and grade cancers, black women, older women, and women not taking hormone replacements. p53 overexpression occurs when the p53 tumor-suppressor gene mutates and ceases to suppress the production of cancer cells.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1996
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