Overexpression of EMT-related transcription factors SNAI1 and ZEB1 is associated with more aggressive clinicopathological features of pancreatic cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most fatal malignancies due to its aggressive nature and resistance to therapy. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) drives cancer progression, regulated by transcription factors (TFs) such as SNAI1, SNAI2, ZEB1, ZEB2, and TWIST. This study evaluates EMT-TF expression in PDAC and its clinical relevance.

Methods

PDAC tissues from 45 patients were analyzed using qRT-PCR and Western blot. Clinical features and survival outcomes were statistically examined for correlations with EMT-TF levels.

Results

mRNA levels of SNAI1 (16.4-fold, p = 0.02), SNAI2 (21.8-fold, p = 0.028), ZEB1 (17.2-fold, p = 0.037) were significantly elevated in PDAC tissues compared to healthy controls. TWIST showed 3.75

SUBMITTER: Urbonas K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12758774 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature