Potential of Mac-2-binding protein glycan isomer as a new therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer

Takahiro Yamanaka ¹, Kenichiro Araki ¹, Takehiko Yokobori ²

⁰Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgical Science, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan.

Cancer Science +

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February 7, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Mac-2 binding protein glycan isomer (M2BPGi), a serum marker, is elevated in pancreatic cancer (PC) patients. Targeting M2BPGi may offer a new therapeutic strategy for difficult-to-treat PC.

Area Of Science

Oncology
Biochemistry
Cancer Research

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains a difficult malignancy to treat.
Mac-2 binding protein glycan isomer (M2BPGi) is a novel serum marker associated with liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Elevated serum M2BPGi levels have been observed in PC patients.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate M2BPGi expression in PC patients' serum.
To determine the effect of M2BPGi on PC cell malignant potential in vitro.
To examine the impact of M2BP on PC tumor growth and gemcitabine sensitivity in vivo.

Main Methods

Serum M2BPGi levels were measured in 27 PC patients and compared to healthy subjects.
In vitro studies assessed M2BPGi's effect on PC cell proliferation and invasion.
In vivo studies in xenograft mice evaluated M2BP's impact on tumor growth and gemcitabine sensitivity.

Main Results

Serum M2BPGi levels were significantly higher in PC patients than in healthy individuals.
M2BPGi promoted PC cell proliferation and invasion in vitro.
M2BP significantly reduced PC tumor growth and enhanced gemcitabine sensitivity in vivo.

Conclusions

Cancer-associated fibroblast-derived M2BPGi contributes to PC cell proliferation and invasion.
Targeting M2BPGi presents a potential novel therapeutic strategy for refractory pancreatic cancer.

Keywords:

Mac‐2‐binding protein glycan isomer cancer‐associated fibroblasts galectin‐3 pancreatic cancer stroma cells