The new molecular biology of granulosa cell tumors of the ovary

Abstract

Granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) of the ovary belong to the group of ovarian sex-cord stromal tumors and represent 5 to 10% of ovarian malignancies. GCTs exhibit several morphological, biochemical and hormonal features of normal proliferating preovulatory granulosa cells, such as estrogen biosynthesis. Prognostic factors of this condition are lacking, and alternative treatment options to preserve future fertility are needed. Several groups have shown that two genetic factors implicated in GCTs are of particular interest. The gsp oncogene is a constitutive activating mutation of the Gsa subunit and is correlated with the prognosis of the tumor. FOXL2 is a transcription factor gene involved in ovarian development and function, whose expression is reduced and which is mutated in the majority of GCTs. FOXL2 appears to play a major role in cell cycle regu lation. These recent findings open new pathophysiological insights into GCT development as well as revisitation of granulosa cell and ovarian function. © 2009 BioMed Central Ltd.