Reduced expression of bone morphogenetic protein receptor IA in pancreatic cancer is associated with a poor prognosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The expression of SMAD4, the central component of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling pathways, is lost in 50% of pancreatic cancers and is associated with a poor survival. Although the TGF-β pathway has been extensively studied and characterised in pancreatic cancer, there is very limited data on BMP signalling, a well-known tumour-suppressor pathway. BMP signalling can be lost not only at the level of SMAD4 but also at the level of BMP receptors (BMPRs), as has been described in colorectal cancer.

Methods

We performed immunohistochemical analysis of the expression levels of BMP signalling components in pancreatic cancer and correlated these with survival. We also manipulated the activity of BMP signalling in v

SUBMITTER: Voorneveld PW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3790157 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature