Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12(2), 1009-1029; doi:10.3390/ijms12021009
Review

Role of Versican, Hyaluronan and CD44 in Ovarian Cancer Metastasis

Miranda P. Ween 1,2 email, Martin K. Oehler 1,3 email and Carmela Ricciardelli 1,* email
1 Research Centre for Reproductive Health, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia 2 Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Molecular Biosciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia 3 Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 30 November 2010; in revised form: 28 January 2011 / Accepted: 29 January 2011 / Published: 31 January 2011
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Molecules in Ovarian Cancer)
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Abstract: There is increasing evidence to suggest that extracellular matrix (ECM) components play an active role in tumor progression and are an important determinant for the growth and progression of solid tumors. Tumor cells interfere with the normal programming of ECM biosynthesis and can extensively modify the structure and composition of the matrix. In ovarian cancer alterations in the extracellular environment are critical for tumor initiation and progression and intra-peritoneal dissemination. ECM molecules including versican and hyaluronan (HA) which interacts with the HA receptor, CD44, have been shown to play critical roles in ovarian cancer metastasis. This review focuses on versican, HA, and CD44 and their potential as therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer.
Keywords: extracellular matrix; hyaluronan; versican; CD44; adhesion; metastasis

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MDPI and ACS Style

Ween, M.P.; Oehler, M.K.; Ricciardelli, C. Role of Versican, Hyaluronan and CD44 in Ovarian Cancer Metastasis. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12, 1009-1029.

AMA Style

Ween MP, Oehler MK, Ricciardelli C. Role of Versican, Hyaluronan and CD44 in Ovarian Cancer Metastasis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2011; 12(2):1009-1029.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ween, Miranda P.; Oehler, Martin K.; Ricciardelli, Carmela. 2011. "Role of Versican, Hyaluronan and CD44 in Ovarian Cancer Metastasis." Int. J. Mol. Sci. 12, no. 2: 1009-1029.

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