Desmoglein 2 is a substrate of kallikrein 7 in pancreatic cancer
2008

Desmoglein 2 and Kallikrein 7 in Pancreatic Cancer

Sample size: 18 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ramani Vishnu C, Hennings Leah, Haun Randy S

Primary Institution: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Hypothesis

Does kallikrein 7 degrade desmogleins in pancreatic cancer cells?

Conclusion

The study found that desmogleins 1 and 2 are reduced in pancreatic cancer, and kallikrein 7 can degrade these proteins, potentially aiding cancer invasion.

Supporting Evidence

  • Desmogleins 1 and 2 showed reduced levels in pancreatic adenocarcinomas compared to normal tissues.
  • Kallikrein 7 was found to cleave both Dsg1 and Dsg2 in vitro.
  • Overexpression of kallikrein 7 in BxPC-3 cells led to increased shedding of soluble Dsg2.

Takeaway

In pancreatic cancer, important proteins that help cells stick together are broken down by a specific enzyme, which might help the cancer spread.

Methodology

The study used immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis to assess desmoglein expression and degradation assays to test the effect of kallikrein 7.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in the selection of tissue samples and cell lines used for analysis.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on two pancreatic cancer cell lines and may not represent all pancreatic cancer types.

Participant Demographics

Human pancreatic tissues from non-malignant, chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma samples.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2407-8-373

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