Engrailed-1Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis

Abstract

AbstractEngrailed-1(EN1) is a critical homeodomain transcription factor (TF) required for neuronal survival, and EN1 expression has been shown to promote aggressive forms of triple negative breast cancer. Here, we report thatEN1is aberrantly expressed in a subset of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) patients with poor outcomes. EN1 predominantly repressed its target genes through direct binding to gene enhancers and promoters, implicating a role in the acquisition of mesenchymal cell properties. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments demonstrated thatEN1promoted PDA transformation and metastasisin vitroandin vivo. Our findings nominate the targeting ofEN1and downstream pathways in aggressive PDA.