Gene expression in epithelial ovarian carcinoma

We analysed the mRNA levels corresponding to 12 600 transcripts in primary cultures of ovarian epithelial cells derived from nine normal ovaries and 21 epithelial ovarian carcinoma. The class distinction and hierarchical clustering of expression data revealed a clear distinction in gene expression between normal and carcinoma-derived ovarian epithelial cells. Comparison of expression levels revealed 111 genes with mean expression values of >2.5-fold higher in carcinoma cells. Similarly, 62 genes were expressed at >2.5-fold higher levels in normal ovarian epithelial cells. For a few selected genes, we demonstrate that the pattern of differential expression observed in cultured epithelial cells is present in the normal ovaries and epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Use of cultured epithelial cells represents a novel strategy to study gene expression in a cell-type specific manner.