Spatial Transcriptomics Reveals Novel Mechanisms Involved in Perineural Invasion in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a high incidence of perineural invasion (PNI), a pathological feature of the cancer invasion of nerves. PNI is associated with a poor prognosis, local recurrence and cancer pain. It has been suggested that interactions between nerves and the tumor microenvironment (TME) play a role in PDAC tumorigenesis.

Methods

Here, we used Nanostring GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler to analyze the whole transcriptome of both cancer and nerve cells in the microenvironment of PNI and non-PNI foci from 13 PDAC patients.

Conclusions

We identified previously reported pathways involved in PNI, including Axonal Guidance and ROBO-SLIT Signaling. Spatial transcriptomics highlighted the role of PNI foci in influencing the immune landscape

SUBMITTER: Lakis V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11899704 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature