Cyclooxygenase-1 is overexpressed in multiple genetically engineered mouse models of epithelial ovarian cancer

Cancer Res. 2006 Mar 1;66(5):2527-31. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-05-4063.

Abstract

Cyclooxygenases-1 and -2 (Cox-1 and Cox-2) are two distinct isoforms that catalyze the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The role of Cox-2 in a variety of cancers is well recognized, but the contribution of Cox-1 remains much less explored. We have previously shown that human epithelial ovarian tumors have increased levels of Cox-1, but not Cox-2. We also observed that Cox-1 is highly expressed in a mouse model of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), which lacks p53 but overexpresses c-myc and K-ras or c-myc and Akt. More importantly, a Cox-1-selective inhibitor, SC-560, attenuates EOC growth. In the present investigation, we used various genetically engineered mouse models of EOC to determine whether Cox-1 overexpression is unique to specific genetic and oncogenic alterations or is widespread. These models include: (a) deletion of both p53 and Rb, (b) induction of the transforming region of SV40 under the control of Mullerian inhibitory substance type II receptor, or (c) activation of K-Ras in the absence of Pten locally in the ovarian surface epithelium. We found that these three models, which produce spontaneous EOC, also show up-regulated expression of Cox-1, but not Cox-2. The results provide further evidence that Cox-1 overexpression is common in various models of EOC. Thus, Cox-1 serves as a potential marker of EOC and is a possible target for the prevention and/or treatment of this deadly disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming / biosynthesis
  • Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming / genetics
  • Cyclooxygenase 1 / biosynthesis*
  • Cyclooxygenase 1 / genetics
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Epithelial Cells / enzymology
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Genes, Retinoblastoma
  • Genes, p53
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / genetics

Substances

  • Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming
  • Cyclooxygenase 1