[PDF][PDF] Oncogenic KRas suppresses inflammation-associated senescence of pancreatic ductal cells

KE Lee, D Bar-Sagi - Cancer cell, 2010 - cell.com
KE Lee, D Bar-Sagi
Cancer cell, 2010cell.com
Mutational activation of KRas is the first and most frequently detected genetic lesion in
pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the precise role of oncogenic KRas in
the pathogenesis of PDAC is not fully understood. Here, we report that the endogenous
expression of oncogenic KRas suppresses premature senescence in primary pancreatic
duct epithelial cells (PDEC). Oncogenic KRas-mediated senescence bypass is conferred by
the upregulation of the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Twist that in turn abrogates …
Summary
Mutational activation of KRas is the first and most frequently detected genetic lesion in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the precise role of oncogenic KRas in the pathogenesis of PDAC is not fully understood. Here, we report that the endogenous expression of oncogenic KRas suppresses premature senescence in primary pancreatic duct epithelial cells (PDEC). Oncogenic KRas-mediated senescence bypass is conferred by the upregulation of the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Twist that in turn abrogates p16INK4A induction. Moreover, the KRas-Twist-p16INK4A senescence bypass pathway is employed in vivo to prevent inflammation-associated senescence of pancreatic ductal epithelium. Our findings indicate that oncogenic KRas could contribute to PDAC initiation by protecting cells from entering a state of permanent growth arrest.
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