In a groundbreaking study, scientists have discovered that a gene known to inhibit the growth and spread of pancreatic cancer is “switched off” by the disease. This finding sheds light on why pancreatic cancer is so aggressive and difficult to treat.
The gene, HNF4A, is significantly suppressed in the early stages of pancreatic cancer, allowing the disease to progress rapidly. Researchers analyzed both healthy and cancerous pancreatic tissue samples, revealing that pancreatic cancers trigger a process called DNA methylation, which disables the beneficial function of HNF4A.
This research, conducted by teams from Nottingham Trent University, the University of Nottingham, Stanford University, the University of California, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, holds promise for the development of new treatments for pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer, which affects the gland responsible for producing digestive juices and hormones like insulin, has the lowest survival rate among the most common cancers. The discovery of HNF4A’s role in the disease could pave the way for more effective therapies, offering hope to patients battling this formidable cancer.
“The gene, HNF4A, is significantly suppressed in the early stages of pancreatic cancer, allowing the disease to progress rapidly
Source: Centre for Health and Healthcare; Member of Centre for Health and Healthcare; Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forumthe Executive Committee, World Economic Forum
