PDAC cells

[Cell Reports] Researchers showed that the Rho effector protein kinase N2 (PKN2) was critical for pancreatic stellate cell (PSC) myofibroblast differentiation. Loss of PKN2 was associated with reduced PSC proliferation, contractility, and alpha-smooth muscle actin stress fibers.

[Oncogene] Researchers identified a key regulator of macropinocytosis for the survival of tumor cells in a low amino acid environment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

[Nature Communications] Researchers characterized the function of tumor-derived PGRN in promoting immune evasion in primary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

[Cancer Research] Using genetically defined models, researchers showed that HDAC2 was a cellular fitness factor that controls cell cycle in vitro and metastasis in vivo, particularly in undifferentiated, mesenchymal pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells.

[Science Translational Medicine] Scientists identified and characterized resistance mechanisms to a FIRINOX chemotherapy regimen because it is the most aggressive regimen currently used clinically for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

[Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry] Scientists identified that a 3D co-culture model of MIA PaCa-2 or PANC-1 with cancer-associated fibroblasts showed an increased chemoresistance to gemcitabine when compared to standard 2D mono-cultures a difference to paclitaxel which showed no measurable difference between the 2D and 3D models, suggesting a complex interaction between the drug in study and the cell type used.