Figure 9.

Model for the interaction of ovarian carcinoma cells with mesothelial cells. Based on our findings in this study, mesothelial cells are depicted as synthesizing a pericellular matrix composed of hyaluronic acid, proteoglycans, and the ECM molecules fibronectin, laminin, and collagens. In addition, mesothelial cells express high levels of CD44 on their surface, which would permit them to adhere to hyaluronic acid on ovarian carcinoma cells. The ovarian carcinoma cells may also have a pericellular matrix composed of various amounts of hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans. The ovarian carcinoma cells express high levels of the β1 integrin subunit and CD44, which facilitates their interaction with ECM proteins and hyaluronic acid, respectively, which are present on mesothelial cells. Other ligand-receptor molecules involved in this interaction have yet to be identified (indicated by question marks).