Characterization of Tumor Initiation Using a Novel Mouse Model of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Abstract
Early detection remains the most reliable approach for successful treatment of cancer. Unfortunately, the majority (80%) of ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed with advanced-stage high-grade serous cancer (HGSOC) and have a 5-year survival rate of <30%, due to the limitation of current screening methods. While information gleaned from research with patient samples and existing mouse models has provided invaluable information about malignant ovarian cancer including the identification of precursor lesions within the fallopian tube (i.e., serous tumor in situ carcinoma or STIC), it remains challenging to visualize, let alone analyze, mutant cells prior to the manifestation of pathological features. We developed a novel mouse model to facilitate the investigation of early molecular and cellular events leading to the development of HGSOC. The model immediately and permanently labels mutant cells upon the occurrence of initiating mutations and results in the formation of high-grade serouscarcinoma. Importantly, the observed long latency (~40 weeks) of premalignant mutant cell expansion prior to the formation of STICs and serous tumors provides ample opportunity to 1) evaluate molecular and cellular processes involved in the early stages of STIC formation and 2) identify potential biomarkers for early detection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1118323
Entities
People
- Hul Zong
- Jill K. Slack-davis
Organizations
- University of Virginia