The Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Initiated by Malignant Ascites Underlies the Transmesothelial Invasion of Ovarian Cancer Cells

Abstract

The role of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in ovarian cancer cell progression is unquestioned. In this report, we describe that malignant ascites, fluid that accumulates in the peritoneal cavity in a large group of patients with ovarian cancer, stimulate EMT in two representative ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780, SKOV-3). In addition, we identify the ascites-derived mediators of EMT and signaling pathways initiated in the cancer cells that underlie this phenomenon. Finally, we demonstrate that EMT induced in the cancer cells in response to the malignant ascites contributes to their increased transmesothelial invasion. Altogether, our study provides new insight into the mechanistic aspects of the malignant ascites-dependent exacerbation of the intraperitoneal progression of ovarian cancer.