Analysis of MUC4 expression in human pancreatic cancer xenografts in immunodeficient mice
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Published on: October 9, 2018
Daniel Ansari1, Monika P Bauden1, Agata Sasor2
1Department of Surgery, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Background/Aim:
Mucin 4 (MUC4) is a cell surface glycoprotein that is overexpressed in most pancreatic tumors. The aim of the present study was to characterize MUC4 expression in experimental pancreatic cancer in order to clarify the correlation between MUC4 and pancreatic cancer histology in vivo.
Materials And Methods:
Pancreatic xenograft tumors were generated in immunodeficient mice (n=15) by subcutaneous injection of MUC4(+) human pancreatic cancer cell lines Capan-1, HPAF-II or CD18/HPAF. MUC4 immunoreactivity was compared between the cancer models. Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was used to identify cancer-associated fibroblasts and the amount of collagen fibers was quantified with sirius red.
Results:
Tumor incidence was 100%. Tumor size showed no difference across groups (p=0.796). The median MUC4 count was highest in Capan-1 tumors (p=0.002). α-SMA and collagen extent were also highest in Capan-1 tumors (p=0.018).
Conclusion:
The Capan-1 xenograft model could serve as a valuable resource to test new therapeutic strategies targeting MUC4 in pancreatic cancer.
