NME1 functions as a metastasis suppressor in pancreatic cancer

Abstract

Background A known metastasis suppressor gene, NME1 (Nm23), downregulated in melanoma, breast cancer, and other cancers, suppresses migration and invasion of tumor cells. However, in pancreatic cancer (PC), one of the common and deadly cancers worldwide that largely eludes early diagnosis, NME1 function remains unstudied, prompting us to investigate its role.

Objective The aim of this study is to investigate biological function of NME1 in pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis and explored potential mechanism mediated by MAPK/JNK signaling pathway.

Results Western blots showed lower NME1 expression in pancreatic tumors than in normal tissues, while its overexpression in cultured PC cells induced cell death and inhibited proliferation, growth, migration, and invasion. NME1 was also found involved in multiple signaling pathways that confer metastatic properties.

Conclusion This study identifies the important potential of NME1 in pancreatic cancer cells and role of novel biomarker and/or therapeutic target.