Extracellular matrix interactions. 1: Production of extracellular matrix with attachment and growth-sustaining functions by UWOV2 ovarian cancer cells growing in protein-free conditions.

Constitutive production of extracellular matrix with attachment and growth-promoting effects by an ovarian cancer cell line (UWOV2 (Pf)) growing in entirely protein-free conditions is described. This extracellular matrix has an ordered fibrillar, network structure consisting mainly of type IV collagen and laminin, as well as containing hyaluronan, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans. Type IV collagen appears to provide mainly structural support while other matrix components are responsible for the attachment and growth-promoting effects. This culture system provides an ideal model for studying the effects of extracellular matrix on cell attachment and growth. This system is also important in studying the concept of autonomous growth because the production of extracellular matrix by these cells appears to be growth regulatory even in an entirely protein-free culture system.