Pancreatic cancer: molecular pathogenesis and emerging therapeutic strategies

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease for which there is no effective treatment. A deep understanding of the mechanisms underlying the molecular pathogenesis, signaling pathways and risk factors leading to PDAC is of paramount importance for identifying novel targets, prognostic markers, preventive strategies, and signature markers for use in specific and personalized therapeutic procedures. Activating somatic mutations in the KRAS oncogene play a critical role in PDAC initiation and maintenance. Here, we highlight the complex interplay between KRAS signaling, the transcriptional coactivator YES1-associated protein (YAP) and Src family kinases (SFKs) in the pathogenesis of PDAC and…

• HF
  Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research
• NC
  National Cancer Institute

  Awards: P01CA236585, R21CA258125
• NI
  National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

  Awards: R01AI173050, R01AI135201