Understanding the role of CD44V6 in ovarian cancer

This study examined the association of CD44V6 expression in ovarian cancer. We recruited 38 patients with ovarian cancer, 23 with benign ovarian tumor, and 20 with normal ovaries using RT-PCR and western block analysis. Compared with normal ovaries, the expression of CD44V6 mRNA was significantly elevated in benign ovarian tumor and ovarian cancer. At the protein level, we found no significant differences in CD44V6 expression between normal ovarian tissue and benign ovarian tumor. However, the expression of CD44V6 in ovarian cancer was significantly elevated compared to normal ovaries and benign ovarian tumor. These results were supported by ELISA and western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry showed that CD44V6 protein in ovarian cancer cells accumulated at high levels on the membrane of ovarian cancer cells. CD44V6 expression is closely associated with the tumorous transformation of ovarian tissue, suggesting that CD44V6 can promote the occurrence and progression of ovarian cancer.