Activation of SphK1 by adipocytes mediates epithelial ovarian cancer cell proliferation

• Main Authors: Lan Dai, Chen Wang, Keqi Song, Wenjing Wang, Wen Di
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-05-01
• Series: Journal of Ovarian Research
• Subjects: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC); Adipocytes; Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1); Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor (S1PR); Proliferation
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-021-00815-y

Abstract Background Adipocytes, active facilitators of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) growth, have been implicated in the link between obesity and EOC. However, the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying adipocyte-induced EOC cell proliferation remains incomplete. Results We provide the first evidence showing that sphingosine kinase (SphK) 1 is critical for adipocyte-induced EOC cell proliferation. Adipocytes are capable of activating SphK1, which then leads to extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. Moreover, adipocyte-induced SphK1 activation is ERK dependent. Furthermore, sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) 1 and S1PR3, key components of the SphK1 signalling pathway, participate in adipocyte-mediated growth-promoting action in EOC cells. Conclusions Our study reveals a previously unrecognized role of SphK1 in adipocyte-induced growth-promoting action in EOC, suggesting a new target for EOC therapy.