Overexpression of hydroxyproline via EGLN/HIF1A is associated with distant metastasis in pancreatic cancer

For pancreatic cancer, the probability of distant metastasis can help choose the best course of treatment. The aim of this study is to establish the efficacy of hydroxyproline as a biomarker for distant metastasis for pancreatic cancer and to clarify the mechanism of EGLN/HIF1A axis that controls the invasion and metastasis. Metabolites (hydroxyproline) and genes (EGLN2 and EGLN3) were identified by metabolome analysis of the serum with pancreatic cancers with and without distant metastasis. The mechanism of EGLN/HIF1A axis including angiogenesis was examined in pancreatic cancer cells. Hydroxyproline associated with these mechanisms was evaluated to suggest the association with overall survival in pancreatic cancer. Decreased expression of EGLN2 and EGLN3 in pancreatic cancer, via the HIF1A and TGF ß1 pathway, was associated with the induction of angiogenic factors, increased vascular invasion, and poor overall patient survival. Hydroxyproline concentrations were regulated via the HIF1A pathway by EGLN2 and EGLN3, and that increased concentrations of hydroxyproline promote the invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells. These results suggested that the expression of hydroxyproline through the HIF1A pathway induced by EGLN2 and EGLN3 could be a surrogate marker for treatment and might predict distant metastasis in pancreatic cancer.