Epithelial-mesenchymal transition via transforming growth factor beta in pancreatic cancer is potentiated by the inflammatory glycoprotein leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein.

ABSTRACT: We previously showed that an inflammation-related, molecule leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG) enhances the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced phosphorylation of Smad proteins and is elevated in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). As TGF-β/Smad signaling is considered to play a key role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), we attempted to clarify the mechanism underlying LRG-related EMT in relation to metastasis in PDAC. We cultured LRG-overexpressing PDAC cells (Panc1/LRG) and evaluated the morphology, EMT-related molecules and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in these cells. We also assessed the LRG levels in plasma and resected specimens from patients with PDAC. Inflammatory cytokines induced LRG production in PDAC cells. A spindle-like shape was visu

SUBMITTER: Otsuru T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6398893 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature