CD74 promotes perineural invasion of cancer cells and mediates neuroplasticity via the AKT/EGR-1/GDNF axis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. (28th June 2021) - Zhang, Jun-Feng
Abstract: Perineural invasion (PNI) is a common feature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and is one of the important causes of local recurrence in resected pancreatic cancer, but the molecular mechanism remains largely unexplored. Here, we used immunohistochemistry staining to determine the expression of CD74. Then the in vivo PNI model, in vitro neuroplasticity assay, cell proliferation assay, wound healing and Transwell-based invasion assay were performed to examine the function of CD74 in pancreatic cancer cell lines. ChIP assay and Luciferase reporter assay were used to illustrate the mechanism underlying CD74 induced GDNF expression. We confirmed that the expression level of CD74 was an independent predictor of PNI and poor prognosis for PDAC. Moreover, we found that upregulation of CD74 on PDAC enhanced its migration and invasive capabilities and potentiated the secretion of neurotrophic factor GDNF to promote the neuroplasticity. Mechanistically, CD74 promoted GDNF production via the AKT/EGR-1/GDNF axis in PDAC. Taken together, our findings suggest a supportive role of CD74 in the PNI of PDAC, and deepen our understanding of how cancer cells promote neuroplasticity in the microenvironment of PDAC. Highlights: ● Perineural invasion is a characteristic feature of pancreatic cancer and little is known about the underlying molecular mechanism of perineural invasion. ● Upregulation of CD74 enhanced its migration and invasive capabilities of cancer cells. ● CD74 potentiates the secretion of neurotrophic factor GDNF to promote the neuroplasticity via the AKT/EGR-1/GDNF axis in PDAC. ● Our findings highlight the vital role of CD74 in the process of perineural invasion and provide a potential therapeutic target for PDAC patients.