New target for pancreatic cancer identified

New target for pancreatic cancer identified

The incidence and death rate of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have increased in recent years, therefore the identification of novel targets for treatment is extremely important.

Interactions between cancer and stromal cells are critically involved in tumor formation and development of metastasis. Researchers report that PDAC cells secrete BAG3, which binds and activates macrophages, inducing their activation and the secretion of PDAC supporting factors.

They also identify IFITM-2 as a BAG3 receptor and show that it signals through PI3K and the p38 MAPK pathways.

Finally, the authors show that the use of an anti-BAG3 antibody results in reduced tumor growth and prevents metastasis formation in three different mouse models.
In conclusion, scientists identify a paracrine loop involved in PDAC growth and metastatic spreading, and show that an anti-BAG3 antibody has therapeutic potential.

http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2015/151102/ncomms9695/full/ncomms9695.html
 
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