PTGS2 gene expression modulation by targeting AHR activity in pancreatic cancer cells, in vitro

Abstract

Introduction Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a notoriously difficult to treat disease with an overwhelmingly high mortality rate worldwide [1]. A major determining factor is the aggressive nature of its progression. In the early stages of the disease, most patients present with nonspecific symptoms, often delaying diagnosis. By the time of diagnosis, the initial tumor has metastasized, making treatment significantly more complicated [2]. Treatment options are very limited therefore exploring different therapeutic approaches is critical. PTGS2 is an enzyme which has been noted to be up-regulated in several gastrointestinal cancers, including PC, and is known to be involved in tumorigenic processes [3]. For this reason, it is a promising target for therapy development and is already applied in the case of colorectal cancer [4]. AhR is a transcription factor which is a point of interest due its many supposed roles in the progression of different types of cancer [5]. Interaction between AhR and PTGS2 has been observed in the event of TCDD induced AhR activation and the inflammatory processes that follow it [6]. This means in normal circumstances there is a relationship between them and investigating this interaction in PC cells could potentially provide a perspective for new research. [...].