bax, but notbcl-2, influences the prognosis of human pancreatic cancer

Background—bcl-2and bax belong to thebcl-2-related gene family, which marks a new class of genes that influence apoptosis. Thebcl-2 oncogene acts as a broad antiapoptotic factor and extends both normal and tumour cell survival. In contrast, the bax gene is a promoter of apoptosis.Aims—To analyse the expression of bcl-2 andbax in pancreatic cancer and correlate the results with clinical parameters.Patients—Pancreatic cancer tissue samples were obtained from 28 female and 32 male patients (median age 63, range 43–79 years) having surgery for pancreatic cancer. Normal pancreatic tissues obtained from 18 previously healthy organ donors served as controls.Methods—The levels ofbcl-2 and baxmRNA expression were analysed by northern blot and the exact site of mRNA transcription was determined by in situ hybridisation. The presence of the corresponding proteins was determined by immunohistochemistry.Results—Northern blot analysis indicated that, in comparison with the normal pancreas,bcl-2 mRNA was overexpressed in 30% andbax mRNA in 61% of the pancreatic cancer samples. Concomitant overexpression ofbcl-2 and bax was present in 26% of the cancer samples. Pancreatic adenocarcinomas exhibited 3.7-fold and 5.4-fold increases (p<0.001) inbcl-2 and baxmRNA levels respectively. In situ hybridisation showed that bothbcl-2 and baxmRNA were expressed in the cancer cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positive Bcl-2 and Bax immunostaining in 28 and 83% of the cancer samples respectively. In multivariate analysis (Cox regression model), bax expression was found to be a strong indicator of survival (p<0.001). Patients whose tumours exhibited Bax immunostaining lived significantly longer (12 months) than those whose tumours were Bax negative (five months) (p<0.039). In contrast, no relation was found between Bcl-2 and survival time.Conclusions—The data indicate that genes that are involved in the regulation of apoptosis are upregulated in human pancreatic cancer cells. Prolonged survival times in patients in whom apoptosis promoting factors are upregulated indicate that apoptotic pathways are of biological significance in pancreatic cancer.

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Effect of zeb1 and zeb2 on pancreatic fibrobast-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pancreatic cancer.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2012.30.15_suppl.e21035 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. e21035-e21035

Author(s):

Laura Visa ◽

Esther Samper ◽

Mariana Rickmann ◽

Antonio Postigo ◽

Esther Sanchez-Tillo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Smooth Muscle Actin ◽

Human Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Epithelial Tumor ◽

Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Pancreatic Cancer Cells ◽

E Cadherin

e21035 Background: EMT renders neoplastic cancer cells the ability to migrate and to invade distant organs. The hallmark of EMT is the loss of E-cadherin, which is a prerequisite for epithelial tumor cell invasion. In pancreatic cancer, loss of tumor E-cadherin is an independent predictor of poor outcome. Aims: To analyze the effect of pancreatic fibroblasts (PF) on inducing EMT in pancreatic cancer cells and to identify the transcription factors (Snail, Slug, ZEB1, ZEB2) that mediate EMT process. Methods: Human PFs were isolated from human pancreatic specimens obtained from chronic pancreatitis and from unaffected margins of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and serous cistoadenoma. PF were cultured until complete cellular activation, as assessed by expression of α-smooth muscle actin, vimentin and fibronectin. Human pancreatic cancer cells Panc-1 were exposed to PF conditioned medium (PF-CM) and EMT analyzed by cell morphology, migration, and E-cadherin expression (quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblot). Gene expression of Snail, Slug, ZEB1, and ZEB2 was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR, and their activity modulated by siRNA Results: Conditioned media from all types of activated PFs induced EMT changes in Panc-1 cells, as shown by 1) morphological transition from cobblestone shaped to fibroblast-like cells, 2) stimulation of cell migration, and 3) E-cadherin down–regulation; mRNA expression of Snail transiently increased at 30 min after exposure to PF returning to basal levels afterwards; mRNA levels of ZEB1 were not up-regulated upon exposure to PF-CM. However, ZEB1 protein greatly accumulated after 48h incubation with PF-CM, suggesting that PF prevent ZEB1 degradation in Panc-1 cells. Combined RNA downregulation of ZEB1 and ZEB2, but not of Snail and/or Slug, suppressed E-cadherin repression induced by PF. Conclusions: Activated PFs promote the invasive phenotype of pancreatic cancer cells through ZEB1 and ZEB2 activation.

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LncRNA TP73-AS1 sponges miR-141-3p to promote the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells through the up-regulation of BDH2

Bioscience Reports ◽

10.1042/bsr20181937 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 39 (3) ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Xian-Ping Cui ◽

Chuan-Xi Wang ◽

Zhi-Yi Wang ◽

Jian Li ◽

Ya-Wen Tan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Cancer Metastasis ◽

Human Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Cancer Tissue ◽

Pancreatic Cancer Cells ◽

Candidate Target ◽

Direct Target

Abstract LncRNA TP73 antisense RNA 1T (TP73-AS1) plays an important role in human malignancies. However, the levels of TP73-AS1 and its functional mechanisms in pancreatic cancer metastasis remain unknown, and the clinical significance of TP73-AS1 in human pancreatic cancer is also unclear. In the present study, the levels of TP73-AS1 and its candidate target miR-141 in pancreatic cancer and adjacent normal tissue were detected using qRT-PCR. The association between TP73-AS1 levels and the clinicopathologic characteristics of pancreatic cancer patients were analyzed. The relationship between TP73-AS1 and miR-141, and miR-141 and its candidate target 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase type 2 (BDH2) was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assays. TP73-AS1 and/or miR-141 were knocked down using siRNA or an inhibitor in pancreatic cancer cells and cell migration and invasion then examined. The results showed that TP73-AS1 was up-regulated in pancreatic cancer tissue and cell lines. High levels of TP73-AS1 were correlated with poor clinicopathological characteristics and shorter overall survival. MiR-141 was a direct target for TP73-AS1, while BDH2 was a direct target for miR-141. The knockdown of TP73-AS1 significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells, while the miR-141 inhibitor significantly restored the migration and invasion. Therefore, TP73-AS1 positively regulated BDH2 expression by sponging miR-141. These findings suggest that TP73-AS1 serves as an oncogene and promotes the metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Moreover, TP73-AS1 could serve as a predictor and a potential drug biotarget for pancreatic cancer.

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Chelidonine Induces Apoptosis via GADD45a-p53 Regulation in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Integrative Cancer Therapies ◽

10.1177/15347354211006191 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

pp. 153473542110061

Author(s):

Hyun-Jin Jang ◽

Jae Ho Yang ◽

Eunmi Hong ◽

Eunbi Jo ◽

Soon Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Annexin V ◽

Inhibitory Effect ◽

Human Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Chelidonium Majus ◽

Pancreatic Cancer Cells ◽

Growth Inhibitory ◽

Anti Cancer

Chelidonium majus has been used as a traditional medicine in China and western countries for various diseases, including inflammation and cancer. However, the anti-cancer effect of chelidonine, a major compound of C. majus extracts, on pancreatic cancer remains poorly understood. In this study, we found that treatment with chelidonine inhibited proliferation of BxPC-3 and MIA PaCa-2 human pancreatic cancer cells. Annexin-V/propidium iodide staining assay showed that this growth inhibitory effect of chelidonine was induced through apoptosis. We found that chelidonine treatment upregulated mRNA levels and transcription factor activity in both cell lines. Increases in protein expression levels of p53, GADD45A, p21 and cleaved caspase-3 were also observed, with more distinct changes in MIA PaCa-2 cells compared to the BxPC-3 cells. These results suggest that chelidonine induces pancreatic cancer apoptosis through the p53 and GADD45A pathways. Our findings provide new insights into the use of chelidonine for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

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Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptorβ/δand B-Cell Lymphoma-6 in Regulation of Genes Involved in Metastasis and Migration in Pancreatic Cancer Cells

PPAR Research ◽

10.1155/2013/121956 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Jeffrey D. Coleman ◽

Jerry T. Thompson ◽

Russell W. Smith ◽

Bogdan Prokopczyk ◽

John P. Vanden Heuvel

Keyword(s):

Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Basement Membrane ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Target Genes ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Human Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Cancer Tissue ◽

Peroxisome Proliferator ◽

Matrix Remodeling ◽

Pancreatic Cancer Cells

PPARβ/δis a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates various cellular functions via induction of target genes directly or in concert with its associated transcriptional repressor,BCL-6. Matrix remodeling proteinases are frequently over-expressed in pancreatic cancer and are involved with metastasis. The present study tested the hypothesis thatPPARβ/δis expressed in human pancreatic cancer cells and that its activation could regulateMMP-9, decreasing cancer cells ability to transverse the basement membrane. In human pancreatic cancer tissue there was significantly higher expression ofMMP-9andPPARβ/δ, and lower levels ofBCL-6mRNA.PPARβ/δactivation reduced the TNFα-induced expression of various genes implicated in metastasis and reduced the invasion through a basement membrane in cell culture models. Through the use of short hairpin RNA inhibitors ofPPARβ/δ,BCL-6, andMMP-9, it was evident thatPPARβ/δwas responsible for the ligand-dependent effects whereasBCL-6dissociation upon GW501516 treatment was ultimately responsible for decreasingMMP-9expression and hence invasion activity. These results suggest thatPPARβ/δplays a role in regulating pancreatic cancer cell invasion through regulation of genes via ligand-dependent release ofBCL-6and that activation of the receptor may provide an alternative therapeutic method for controlling migration and metastasis.

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In Vitro and In Vivo Antitumor Efficacy of Docetaxel and Sorafenib Combination in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Current Cancer Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1568210204916170096 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 999 (999) ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

P. Ulivi ◽

C. Arienti ◽

W. Zoli ◽

M. Scarsella ◽

S. Carloni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Antitumor Efficacy ◽

Human Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Pancreatic Cancer Cells

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Effect of Low Molecular Weight Heparins and Fondaparinux Upon Thrombin Generation Triggered by Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells BXPC3

Current Vascular Pharmacology ◽

10.2174/157016111206141210121441 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 893-902 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Grigoris Gerotziafas ◽

Vassiliki Galea ◽

Elisabeth Mbemba ◽

Mouna Sassi ◽

Marie-Paule Roman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Molecular Weight ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Thrombin Generation ◽

Human Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Low Molecular Weight ◽

Low Molecular Weight Heparins ◽

Pancreatic Cancer Cells

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Cyathus striatus Extract Induces Apoptosis in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells and Inhibits Xenograft Tumor Growth In Vivo

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13092017 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 2017

Author(s):

Lital Sharvit ◽

Rinat Bar-Shalom ◽

Naiel Azzam ◽

Yaniv Yechiel ◽

Solomon Wasser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Pancreatic Cancer Cell Line ◽

Cancer Cell Line ◽

Culture Liquid ◽

Human Pancreatic Cancer ◽

P53 Signaling ◽

Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal disease with limited options for effective therapy and the lowest survival rate of all cancer forms. Therefore, a new, effective strategy for cancer treatment is in need. Previously, we found that a culture liquid extract of Cyathus striatus (CS) has a potent antitumor activity. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Cyathus striatus extract (CSE) on the growth of pancreatic cancer cells, both in vitro and in vivo. The proliferation assay (XTT), cell cycle analysis, Annexin/PI staining and TUNEL assay confirmed the inhibition of cell growth and induction of apoptosis by CSE. A Western blot analysis demonstrated the involvement of both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways. In addition, a RNAseq analysis revealed the involvement of the MAPK and P53 signaling pathways and pointed toward endoplasmic reticulum stress induced apoptosis. The anticancer activity of the CSE was also demonstrated in mice harboring pancreatic cancer cell line-derived tumor xenografts when CSE was given for 5 weeks by weekly IV injections. Our findings suggest that CSE could potentially be useful as a new strategy for treating pancreatic cancer.

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Patterns and Relevance of Langerhans Islet Invasion in Pancreatic Cancer

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13020249 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 249

Author(s):

Ruediger Goess ◽

Ayse Ceren Mutgan ◽

Umut Çalışan ◽

Yusuf Ceyhun Erdoğan ◽

Lei Ren ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Tumor Cells ◽

Islet Cells ◽

Human Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Type I ◽

Type Iv ◽

Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Background: Pancreatic cancer‐associated diabetes mellitus (PC‐DM) is present in most patients with pancreatic cancer, but its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to characterize tumor infiltration in Langerhans islets in pancreatic cancer and determine its clinical relevance. Methods: Langerhans islet invasion was systematically analyzed in 68 patientswith pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) using histopathological examination and 3D in vitro migration assays were performed to assess chemoattraction of pancreatic cancer cells to isletcells. Results: Langerhans islet invasion was present in all patients. We found four different patterns of islet invasion: (Type I) peri‐insular invasion with tumor cells directly touching the boundary, but not penetrating the islet; (Type II) endo‐insular invasion with tumor cells inside the round islet; (Type III) distorted islet structure with complete loss of the round islet morphology; and (Type IV)adjacent cancer and islet cells with solitary islet cells encountered adjacent to cancer cells. Pancreatic cancer cells did not exhibit any chemoattraction to islet cells in 3D assays in vitro. Further, there was no clinical correlation of islet invasion using the novel Islet Invasion Severity Score (IISS), which includes all invasion patterns with the occurrence of diabetes mellitus. However, Type IV islet invasion was related to worsened overall survival in our cohort. Conclusions: We systematically analyzed, for the first time, islet invasion in human pancreatic cancer. Four different main patterns of islet invasion were identified. Diabetes mellitus was not related to islet invasion. However, moreresearch on this prevailing feature of pancreatic cancer is needed to better understand underlying principles.

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