PAX2 Induces Tubular-Like Structures in Normal and Ovarian Cancer Cells

In adult tissues, PAX2 protein is expressed in normal oviductal epithelial cells but not in normal ovarian surface epithelial cells. Studies have reported that PAX2 is expressed in a subset of serous ovarian carcinoma cases but the role of PAX2 in the initiation and progression of ovarian cancer remains unknown. The aim of this study was to understand the biological consequences of Pax2 expression in normal and cancerous mouse epithelial (MOSE) cells. We found that Pax2 overexpression in both normal and cancerous ovarian epithelial cells induced the formation of vascular channels both in vitro and in vivo. The results indicate a possible contribution of PAX2 to ovarian cancer progression by increasing the vascular channels to supply nutrients to the tumor cells.