Transcriptomic landscape of transposable elements reveals <i>LTR7</i>-<i>PLAAT4</i> as a potential oncogene and therapeutic target in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

ABSTRACT: Eukaryotic genomes contain numerous transposable elements (TEs), whose dysregulation threatens genome stability and may contribute to cancer. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is among the deadliest cancers, marked by abundant stroma that obscures tumor-specific molecular signals, complicating bulk-tissue analyses. Here, using 71 patient-derived PAAD organoids, we show that TE activities may potentially promote tumorigenesis and provide a source of novel immunotherapeutic targets. We identify 16 new TE-derived transcripts fused with 15 known oncogenes, exhibiting potential oncogenic function and prognostic value. Notably, LTR7-PLAAT4, present in 29% of tumors, encodes a protein variant transcriptionally regulated by FOXM1 binding to the LTR7 promoter. LTR7

SUBMITTER: Shi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12863058 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature