Transformation of the human ovarian surface epithelium with genetically defined elements.

Success in in vitro transformation of primary cells from the human ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) has provided significant insight to the study of human ovarian cancer. Here, we describe the method used to immortalize and transform OSE by serial introduction of viral and nonviral genetic elements as well as to test the tumorigenicity of hence established cell lines in appropriate animal models. Successful transformation of OSE cells in the laboratory is of critical significance to the study of ovarian cancer. It not only allows for testing the roles of numerous potential oncogenes in initiating and promoting human ovarian cancer but provides a convenient tool to comprehensively dissect ovarian tumorigenesis in the laboratory.