Acinar to ductal cell trans-differentiation: A prelude to dysplasia and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Seema Parte, Rama Krishna Nimmakayala, Surinder K. Batra, Moorthy P. Ponnusamy

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the deadliest neoplastic epithelial malignancies and is projected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality by 2024. Five years overall survival being ~10%, mortality and incidence rates are disturbing. Acinar to ductal cell metaplasia (ADM) encompasses cellular reprogramming and phenotypic switch-over, making it a cardinal event in tumor initiation. Differential cues and varied regulatory factors drive synchronous functions of metaplastic cell populations leading to multiple cell fates and physiological outcomes. ADM is a precursor for developing early pre-neoplastic lesions further progressing into PC due to oncogenic signaling. Hence delineating molecular events guiding tumor initiation may provide cues for regenerative medicine and precision onco-medicine. Therefore, understanding PC pathogenesis and early diagnosis are crucial. We hereby provide a timely overview of the current progress in this direction and future perspectives we foresee unfolding in the best interest of patient well-being and better clinical management of PC.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number188669
JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta - Reviews on Cancer
Volume1877
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2022

Keywords

  • Acinar-ductal metaplasia
  • PDAC
  • Pancreatic cancer initiation
  • Preneoplastic pancreatic lesions
  • Trans-differentiation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Cancer Research

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