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Spatial Transcriptomics Reveals Novel Mechanisms Involved in Perineural Invasion in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas
Vanessa Lakis1, Noni L Chan2, Ruth Lyons3
1QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia.
Cancers
|March 13, 2025
Summary
Pancreatic cancer invasion of nerves (PNI) is linked to poor outcomes. This study reveals endocannabinoid and polyamine metabolism pathways may drive PNI, offering new therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer and pain.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) frequently exhibits perineural invasion (PNI).
- PNI is a poor prognostic indicator, correlating with local recurrence and cancer pain.
- Nerve-tumor microenvironment (TME) interactions are implicated in PDAC development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying PNI in PDAC.
- To identify novel therapeutic targets for PDAC treatment and pain management.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Nanostring GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler for whole transcriptome analysis.
- Analyzed cancer and nerve cells within PNI and non-PNI foci from 13 PDAC patients.
Main Results:
- Confirmed known PNI pathways like Axonal Guidance and ROBO-SLIT Signaling.
- Spatial transcriptomics revealed PNI foci influence the TME immune landscape.
- Identified similarities between PNI and nerve injury response pathways.
Conclusions:
- Endocannabinoid and polyamine metabolism pathways are implicated in PDAC PNI, cancer growth, and pain.
- Targeting key members of these metabolic pathways presents novel therapeutic opportunities.
- This research opens new avenues for PDAC treatment and cancer pain management.
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