Open AccessThe microtubule-associated protein MAPRE2 is involved in perineural invasion of pancreatic cancer cells
Author(s) -
Ivane Abiatari,
Sonja Gillen,
Tiago DeOliveira,
Theresa Klose,
Bo Kong,
Nathalia A. Giese,
Helmut Friess,
Jörg Kleeff
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
international journal of oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.405
H-Index - 122
ISSN - 1019-6439
DOI - 10.3892/ijo_00000426
Subject(s) - pancreatic cancer , perineural invasion , oncogene , cancer cell , biology , cancer , cancer research , pancreas , molecular medicine , cell cycle , pathology , medicine , endocrinology , genetics
Perineural invasion of tumor cells is a characteristic feature of human pancreatic cancer. Unrevealing the molecular mechanisms that enable cancer cells to invade and grow along nerves is important for the development of novel therapeutic strategies in this disease. We have previously identified transcriptional changes in highly nerve invasive pancreatic cancer cells. Here we further analyzed one of the identified deregulated genes, MAPRE2, a microtubule-associated protein. MAPRE2 expression was significantly increased in high versus less nerve invasive pancreatic cancer cells, and changes of MAPRE2 expression resulted in altered actin distribution in these cells. MAPRE2 was predominately expressed in normal pancreatic acinar cells but absent in ductal cells. In pancreatic cancer, there was strong cytoplasmic and occasionally nuclear expression of MAPRE2 in the cancer cells themselves. Increased MAPRE2 mRNA levels in bulk pancreatic cancer tissues tended to be associated with reduced postoperative survival of pancreatic cancer patients. In conclusion, MAPRE2 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer cells, and seems to be involved in perineural invasion. Therefore, targeting this microtubule-associated protein might be a promising approach in the therapy of pancreatic cancer.