SPOCK2 promotes the invasion and migration of ovarian cancer cells through FAK signaling pathway

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Jasmine

Objective, methods, results, and conclusions describe how SPOCK2 influences ovarian cancer progression and metastasis by regulating molecular interactions and signaling. Expression patterns of SPOCK2 were evaluated in ovarian cancer versus normal tissues using TCGA datasets and immunohistochemistry, followed by EMT, invasion, and migration functional assays in high-grade serous ovarian cancer cells. The SPOCK2–ITGA3 interaction and activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling were examined. In vivo knockdown experiments assessed effects on tumor invasiveness and metastasis.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

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Pages18

Reading Time45 min

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Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Introduction

37TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL PAPILLOMAVIRUS SOCIETY Research toward the global elimination of HPV-related diseases and cancers OCTOBER 23-26, 2025 | BANGKOK, THAILAND [ipvconference.org | \#IPVS2025](ipvconference.org | #IPVS2025) ENJOY AN EXCLUSIVE 10% DISCOUNT J Gynecol Oncol. 2025 Sep;36(5):e98 [https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2025.36.e98](https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2025.36.e98)[ ](https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2025.36.e98)pISSN 2005-0380·eISSN 2005-0399 Original Article Received: May 28, 2024 Revised: Feb 9, 2025 Accepted: Mar 10, 2025 Published online: Apr 14, 2025 Correspondence to Weipei Zhu The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 San-xiang Road, Suzhou 215000, Jiangsu, China. Email: [zwp333xx@126.com](zwp333xx@126.com) © 2025. Asian Society of Gynecologic Oncology, Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology, and Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License ([https://](https://)[ ](https://)[creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/](creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. ORCID iDs Xiaoli Zheng [https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6203-4175](https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6203-4175)[ ](https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6203-4175)Hua Wu [https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3352-2719](https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3352-2719)[ ](https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3352-2719)Weipei Zhu [https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0737-9693](https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0737-9693) Funding The project was funded by Xuzhou Science and Technology Project (KC22144), 2023 Science and Technology Development Fund project of Xuzhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital (XYFM202312) and Xuzhou First People’s Hospital 2022 "Green Seedling Project" Young and middle-aged medical talent Cultivation Program (the second batch) . SPOCK2 promotes the invasion and migration of ovarian cancer cells through FAK signaling pathway Xiaoli Zheng ,1,2 Hua Wu ,2 Weipei Zhu 1 1The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China 2The Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China ABSTRACT Objective: Ovarian cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, with the highest mortality rate among gynecological cancers. This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms of SPOCK2 in ovarian cancer progression and metastasis and evaluate its potential as a therapeutic target. Methods: The expression levels of SPOCK2 in ovarian cancer tissues and normal tissues were analyzed using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and immunohistochemistry experiments. Functional assays, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, and migration assays, were performed in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) cells to explore the role of SPOCK2 . The interaction between SPOCK2 and ITGA3 and the subsequent activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling were investigated. In vivo experiments were conducted to validate the effects of SPOCK2 knockdown on tumor metastasis and invasiveness. Results: SPOCK2 expression was significantly upregulated in ovarian cancer tissues compared to normal tissues and was associated with poor prognosis. Functional assays demonstrated that SPOCK2 promotes EMT, invasion, and migration in HGSOC cells by interacting with ITGA3 and activating FAK signaling. In vivo experiments confirmed that SPOCK2 knockdown significantly suppressed tumor metastasis and invasiveness. Conclusion: This study highlights the critical role of the SPOCK2/ITGA3 axis in driving ovarian cancer progression and provides evidence for SPOCK2 as a potential molecular marker and therapeutic target. These findings offer new insights into the early diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer, with significant cli

FAQs

What is the main objective of this study on SPOCK2?

To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which SPOCK2 contributes to ovarian cancer progression and metastasis, and to assess SPOCK2 as a potential therapeutic target.

How were SPOCK2 expression levels analyzed?

SPOCK2 expression in ovarian cancer and normal tissues was assessed using TCGA data and confirmed with immunohistochemistry experiments.

What mechanism does the study propose for SPOCK2-driven invasion and migration?

SPOCK2 promotes EMT, invasion, and migration by interacting with ITGA3 and activating focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Jasmine