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Studying Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics for Developing New Treatment Strategies
Published on: June 20, 2015
Src is a target molecule of mannose against pancreatic cancer cells growth in vitro & in vivo
Jianhao Xie1,2, Shengjie Wu1,2, Wenfeng Liao1
1Carbohydrate-Based Drug Research Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd, Pudong New district, Shanghai 201203, China.
Abstract:
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly malignant cancer with limited treatment options. Mannose, a common monosaccharide taken up by cells through the same transporters as glucose, has been shown to induce growth retardation and enhance cell death in response to chemotherapy in several cancers, including PDAC. However, the molecular targets and mechanisms underlying mannose's action against PDAC are not well understood. In this study, we used an integrative approach of network pharmacology, bioinformatics analysis, and experimental verification to investigate the pharmacological targets and mechanisms of mannose against PDAC. Our results showed that the protein Src is a key target of mannose in PDAC. Additionally, computational analysis revealed that mannose is a highly soluble compound that meets Lipinski's rule of five and that the expression of its target molecules is correlated with survival rates and prognosis in PDAC patients. Finally, we validated our findings through in vitro and in vivo experiments. In conclusion, our study provides evidence that mannose plays a critical role in inhibiting PDAC growth by targeting Src, suggesting that it may be a promising therapeutic candidate for PDAC.
Insights
Mannose inhibits pancreatic cancer (PDAC) growth by targeting the Src protein. This study identifies mannose as a potential therapeutic agent for PDAC, offering new hope for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents a significant challenge due to its high malignancy and limited therapeutic strategies.
- Mannose, a glucose-like monosaccharide, has demonstrated potential in cancer treatment by inhibiting growth and enhancing chemotherapy efficacy.
- The precise molecular mechanisms and targets of mannose in PDAC remain largely unelucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pharmacological targets and mechanisms of mannose against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
- To explore the potential of mannose as a therapeutic candidate for PDAC.
Main Methods:
- Integrative approach combining network pharmacology, bioinformatics analysis, and experimental validation.
- Computational analysis including solubility and adherence to Lipinski's rule of five.
- In vitro and in vivo experimental verification.
Main Results:
- The protein Src was identified as a key molecular target of mannose in PDAC.
- Mannose exhibits favorable pharmacokinetic properties, being highly soluble and compliant with Lipinski's rule of five.
- Expression levels of mannose's target molecules correlate with patient survival and prognosis in PDAC.
Conclusions:
- Mannose effectively inhibits PDAC growth through the targeting of Src.
- Mannose demonstrates potential as a promising therapeutic candidate for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
- This research elucidates novel mechanisms for mannose-based cancer therapy.

