PNNL

Abstract

Using the MICROMAX cDNA microarray system, we were able to identify genes differentially over-expressed expressed in ovarian cancer with only 3 ?g total RNA. Total RNA pooled from 3 independent human normal surface ovarian epithelial (HOSE) primary cell cultures was compared to total RNA pooled from 3 different ovarian cancer cell lines using microarray analysis. Because of the limited amount of RNA from HOSE cells and the high cost of the chips, the use of pooled RNA obviates the needs of using multiple chips and larger quantity of RNA from HOSE cells. A total of 39 putative genes which differentially over-expressed in ovarian cancer cell lines were identified. The differential expression of some of these genes were further confirmed by real time RT-PCR. Using this strategy, we have identified genes that either overexpress in all cancer cell lines or in only some of the cancer cell lines. Further characterization of these genes will allow them to be exploited in diagnosis, prognosis, anticancer therapy and molecular classification of ovarian cancer.