Extracellular matrix of ovarian tumors

Tumor cells interfere with the normal programming of extracellular matrix (ECM) biosynthesis and can extensively modify the structure and composition of the matrix. The role of ECM components is becoming increasingly recognized as an important determinant for the growth and progression of solid tumors. The extensive remodeling of the normal ECM in tumors can proceed through the degradation of pre-existing ECM molecules and/or by the neosynthesis of ECM components, which in many cases are not present in the ECM of normal tissues. In the ovary the ECM comprises a variety of molecules including the collagen superfamily and noncollagenous proteins such as glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and hyaluronan. Elevated levels of laminin-gamma 2, collagen types I and III, fibronectin, syndecan-1., glypican-1, versican, and hyaluronan and its receptors CD44 have all been associated with a poor prognosis of ovarian cancers. Generally, there is a differential expression of laminin chains alpha 1, alpha 4, and beta 2 among serous (alpha 1, beta 2), mucinous (alpha 4), and endometriold (alpha 1) tumors. This review focuses on these and other ECM molecules in ovarian tumors.