DDIT4 Novel Mutations in Pancreatic Cancer
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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
Ultrasound-Guided Orthotopic Implantation of Murine Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Published on: November 19, 2019
Fadian Ding1, Xiaoping Hong2, Xiangqun Fan3
1Department of Surgery, 1st Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 350004, China.
Abstract:
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. This study is aimed at searching the possible genetic mutations and the value of novel gene mutation in the DNA damage-inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4) and signaling pathway in pancreatic cancer. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify the DNA sequences of DDIT4 from patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. In addition, we used IHC to detect the expression level of DDIT4 in patients with pancreatic cancer in different types of gene mutation. Double-labeled immunofluorescence was employed to explore the expression levels of DDIT4/LC3 and their potential correlation. Our work indicated the two novel stable gene mutations in DDIT4 mRNA 3'-untranslated region (m.990 U>A and m.1246 C>U). Thirteen samples were found to have mutation in the DDIT4 3'-untranslated regions (UTR). To further verify the influence of gene mutation on protein expression, we performed immunohistochemistry on different gene mutation types, and we found a correlation between DDIT4 expression and gene mutation, which is accompanied by nuclear staining deepening. In order to further discuss the clinical value of DDIT4 gene mutation, immunofluorescence suggested that the expression of DDIT4 colocated with LC3; thus, we speculated that DDIT4 mutation may be involved in autophagy in pancreatic cancer cell. In this study, we found mutation in the 3'-UTR region of DDIT4, which may be associated with DDIT4 expression and tumor autophagy in pancreatic cancer tissues.
Insights
Novel mutations in the DNA damage-inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4) gene were identified in pancreatic cancer. These DDIT4 mutations may influence gene expression and are potentially linked to autophagy in pancreatic tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Pancreatic cancer is a prevalent and aggressive malignancy.
- Understanding the genetic underpinnings of pancreatic cancer is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate novel genetic mutations in the DNA damage-inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4) gene and its signaling pathway in pancreatic cancer.
- To determine the clinical value of DDIT4 gene mutations in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify DDIT4 DNA sequences.
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assessed DDIT4 expression levels in relation to gene mutations.
- Double-labeled immunofluorescence explored the correlation between DDIT4 and LC3 expression.
Main Results:
- Two novel stable mutations were identified in the DDIT4 mRNA 3'-untranslated region (UTR): m.990 U>A and m.1246 C>U.
- Thirteen samples exhibited mutations in the DDIT4 3'-UTR.
- A correlation was found between DDIT4 gene mutation and protein expression, indicated by intensified nuclear staining.
Conclusions:
- Mutations in the DDIT4 3'-UTR region of pancreatic cancer tissues are associated with altered DDIT4 expression.
- DDIT4 expression colocalized with LC3, suggesting a potential role for DDIT4 mutations in pancreatic cancer autophagy.
