SALL4-related gene signature defines a specific stromal subset of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with poor prognostic features.

ABSTRACT: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is marked by molecular heterogeneity and poor prognosis. Among the stemness-related transcription factors, Spalt-like Transcription Factor 4 (SALL4) is correlated with unfavorable outcomes; however, its roles in PDAC remain unclear. SALL4^high expression defines a PDAC subpopulation characterized by a shortened patient survival. Although SALL4 expression was mostly evaluated in tumor cells, our findings identify this embryonic transcription factor as a new biomarker in PDAC-derived stroma. Gene expression analysis reveals that the SALL4^high PDAC subset is enriched in cancer stem cell properties and stromal enrichment pathways; notably, an interaction with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) activated by TGF-β. A particular oncoge

SUBMITTER: Vienot A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10323888 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature