Palladin Mutation Causes Familial Pancreatic Cancer and Suggests a New Cancer Mechanism

Authors: Kay L Pogue-Geile, Ru Chen, Mary P Bronner, Tatjana Crnogorac-Jurcevic, Kara White Moyes, Sally Dowen, Carol A Otey, David A Crispin, Ryan D George, David C Whitcomb, Teresa A Brentnall

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.0030516

Abstract Summary

Researchers identified a mutated palladin gene (PALLD) on chromosome 4q32 linked to familial pancreatic cancer. The mutation alters cell structure and movement, while palladin overexpression occurs in both inherited and sporadic cases. These cytoskeletal changes may explain pancreatic cancer’s aggressive spread, offering new insights into tumor invasion mechanisms.

Why Brain? 🧠

Identifies palladin gene mutation causing inherited pancreatic cancer, revealing cytoskeletal changes that enhance tumor invasion and migration—a novel cancer mechanism applicable to both familial and sporadic disease.

The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.