Downregulation of HOXC6 in Serous Ovarian Cancer.

Homeobox (HOX) genes encode transcription factors critical to morphogenesis and cell differentiation. Although dysregulation of several HOX genes in ovarian cancer has been reported, little is known about HOXC6 expression in epithelial ovarian cancer. In this report, analysis of laser capture microdissected samples determined HOXC6 expression patterns in normal versus malignant serous ovarian carcinoma tissues. HOXC6 protein was quantified by ELISA in parallel serum samples and further validated in a larger cohort of serum samples collected from women with and without serous ovarian carcinoma. These data demonstrate significant downregulation of HOXC6 in serous ovarian cancer.