Selectins: An Important Family of Glycan-Binding Cell Adhesion Molecules in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy worldwide. Unlike most other tumor types that metastasize via the vasculature, ovarian cancer metastasizes predominantly via the transcoelomic route within the peritoneal cavity. As cancer metastasis accounts for the majority of deaths, there is an urge to better understand its determinants. In the peritoneal cavity, tumor-mesothelial adhesion is an important step for cancer dissemination. Selectins are glycan-binding molecules that facilitate early steps of this adhesion cascade by mediating heterotypic cell-cell interaction under hydrodynamic flow. Here, we review the function and regulation of selectins in peritoneal carcinomatosis of ovarian cancer, and highlight how dysregulation of selectin ligand biogenesis affects disease outcome. Further, we will introduce the latest tools in studying selectin-glycan interaction. Finally, an overview of potential therapeutic intervention points that may lead to the development of efficacious therapies for ovarian cancer is provided.