Figure 2.

The mRNA expression of ALDH1 and Notch signaling genes in various subtypes of ovarian carcinomas and ovarian cancer cell lines. A. The mRNA expression of ALDH1 (2.6-fold, p = 0.024) and Notch3 (13.7-fold, p = 0.000) was significantly upregulated in ovarian carcinomas (OC) compared with normal epithelium (OE). Each experiment was done in triplicate (* p < 0.05). B. The mRNA expression of ALDH1 was significantly elevated in mucinous (3.8-fold, p = 0.014) and endometrioid (2.5-fold, p = 0.029) types of OC compared with OE. Serous carcinoma (2.6-fold, p = 0.24) also showed higher ALDH1 expression. Each experiment was done in triplicate (* p < 0.05). C. The mRNA expression of Notch1 (3.0-fold, p < 0.001), Notch3 (3.4-fold, p < 0.001), Jagged2 (2.6-fold, p = 0.014), Hes1 (2.7-fold, p = 0.003), and ALDH1 (2.8-fold, p < 0.001) was significantly upregulated in the chemoresistant group compared with the chemosensitive group of OSCs. D. The correlation between ALDH1 and Notch3 expression. Notch3 expression was positively correlated with ALDH1 expression (R = 0.429, p = 0.007, Spearman's correlation test). E. Dual immunohistochemical stain for ALDH1 and Notch 3 proteins in chemoresistant OSCs. The carcinoma cells showing diffuse cytoplasmic and nuclear staining with Notch 3 (red) were also stained with ALDH1 in the cytoplasm (blue-green). F. The mRNA expression of ALDH1 and Notch signaling genes in PTX-resistant SKpac cells and PTX-sensitive parent SKOV3 cells. ALDH1 and Notch 3 mRNA levels (>25-fold than parent cells) were significantly elevated in SKpac cells compared with SKOV3 cells. Each experiment was done in triplicate (* p < 0.05). G. The expression of ALDH1 and Notch signaling genes in cisplatin-resistant A2780cis cells and cisplatin-sensitive A2780 cells. ALDH1 (4.2-fold, p=0.016), Notch1 (2.5-fold,p=0.034), Notch3 (1.3-fold,p=0.312), and Jagged2 (3.6-fold,p=0.001) mRNA levels were elevated in A2780cis cells compared with A2780. Each experiment was done in triplicate. (* p < 0.05)