Molecular pathogenesis of granulosa cell tumours of the ovary

Granulosa cell tumours (GCT) of the ovary are endocrine tumours that both make and respond to hormones. We have recently confirmed a key mutation in the FOXL2 gene in > 90% of adult GCT. Our group seeks to understand the molecular events that lead to the development of advanced and/or aggressive tumours for which there is an 80% mortality. Current studies seek to establish the genomic landscape of these tumours using whole exome sequencing with transcriptomic analyses and microRNA analyses. Other studies explore the role of nuclear receptors including estrogen receptor-b (ERbeta) and PPARgamma, and of genes that we have identified as being overexpressed in advanced disease with a view to developing novel therapeutic strategies.