Pre-ciliated tubal epithelial cells are prone to initiation of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma
The distal region of the uterine (Fallopian) tube is commonly associated with high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), the predominant and most aggressive form of ovarian or extra-uterine cancer. Specific cell states and lineage dynamics of the adult tubal epithelium (TE) remain insufficiently understood, hindering efforts to determine the cell of origin for HGSC. Here, we report a comprehensive census of cell types and states of the mouse uterine tube. We show that distal TE cells expressing the stem/progenitor cell marker Slc1a3 can differentiate into both secretory (Ovgp1+) and ciliated (Fam183b+) cells. Inactivation of Trp53 and Rb1, whose pathways are commonly altered in HGSC, leads to elimination of targeted Slc1a3+ cells by apoptosis, thereby preventing their malignant transformation. In contrast, pre-ciliated cells (Krt5+, Prom1+, Trp73+) remain cancer-prone and give rise to serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas and overt HGSC. These findings identify transitional pre-ciliated cells as a cancer-prone cell state and point to pre-ciliation mechanisms as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
Journal
Nature CommunicationsInstitutions
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Funding
Cancer-prone cell states of the fallopian tubal epitheliumOrigins of Ovarian CarcinomaOvarian Cancer Research Fund (Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Inc.) Grant 327516PathologyEndometrial epithelial stem cells and cancerCancer-prone cell states of the fallopian tubal epitheliumZeiss LSM710 Confocal Microscope for Shared Imaging FacilityNSF | Directorate for Education & Human Resources | Division of Graduate Education (DGE) Grant DGE-2139899Origins of Ovarian CarcinomaEndometrial epithelial stem cells and cancerOrigins of Ovarian CarcinomaCancer-prone cell states of the fallopian tubal epitheliumEndometrial epithelial stem cells and cancerU.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Cancer Institute FundingSandra Atlas Bass Endowment for Cancer Research FundingNSF | Directorate for Education & Human Resources | Division of Graduate Education Grant DGE-2139899