Protein kinase D1 drives pancreatic acinar cell reprogramming and progression to intraepithelial neoplasia

Geou Yarh Liou, Heike Döppler, Ursula B. Braun, Richard Panayiotou, Michele Scotti Buzhardt, Derek C. Radisky, Howard C. Crawford, Alan P. Fields, Nicole R. Murray, Q. Jane Wang, Michael Leitges, Peter Storz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

The transdifferentiation of pancreatic acinar cells to a ductal phenotype (acinar-to-ductal metaplasia, ADM) occurs after injury or inflammation of the pancreas and is a reversible process. However, in the presence of activating Kras mutations or persistent epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) signalling, cells that underwent ADM can progress to pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and eventually pancreatic cancer. In transgenic animal models, ADM and PanINs are initiated by high-affinity ligands for EGF-R or activating Kras mutations, but the underlying signalling mechanisms are not well understood. Here, using a conditional knockout approach, we show that protein kinase D1 (PKD1) is sufficient to drive the reprogramming process to a ductal phenotype and progression to PanINs. Moreover, using 3D explant culture of primary pancreatic acinar cells, we show that PKD1 acts downstream of TGFα and Kras, to mediate formation of ductal structures through activation of the Notch pathway.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number6200
JournalNature communications
Volume6
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 20 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Physics and Astronomy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Protein kinase D1 drives pancreatic acinar cell reprogramming and progression to intraepithelial neoplasia'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this