Abstract C031: Differential growth of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells in serum amyloid A (SAA) deficient mouse model through immune modulation
Authors: Takamuku Yuki , Lemecha Mengistu , Itakura Keiichi 
Published: January 2024

Objective: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a formidable challenge to cure and expected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US by 2030. Its aggressive nature stems from late diagnosis and early metastasis. PDAC cells interact with the host system and impair the immune response. This communication leads to the production of mediators by host cells, creating an environment that supports PDAC cells growth and the formation of premetastatic niches. Despite progress, the specific factors and mechanisms underlying immune modulation in PDAC progression are not fully understood. Methods: PDAC mice models (WT-KPCL and KOSAA-KPCL) were developed by administering luciferase-expressing KPC cells (KPCL) intraperitoneally into eight weeks old male C57BL/6 mice. The control groups (WT and KOSAA) received PBS. Plasma proteomics was analyzed by using Mass Spectrometry (MS). PDAC cells growth was visualized by bioluminescence using Lago X in-vivo imaging system. Results: During tumor progression, KPCL mice exhibited significant weight loss, with the loss of adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, indicating a hallmark of pancreatic cancer. To identify potential circulating molecules involved in tumor progression, we conducted proteomics analysis on plasma samples using MS. Comparative analysis revealed that out of 734 circulating proteins, 86 were upregulated and 35 were downregulated in tumor mice compared to controls. Serum Amyloid A 1 and 2 were found to be the most abundantly expressed proteins in the plasma of tumor mice, with a remarkable 1024-fold increase compared to controls. To determine the major source of SAA in tumor mice, we measured SAA1, 2, and 3 expressions in various tissues, including adipose tissue, liver, muscle, and tumor. Interestingly, adipose tissue displayed a substantial contribution to SAA levels in WT-KPCL. However, we were unable to detect SAA expression in the tumor tissue from KOSAA-KPCL indicating negligible source of SAA from KPCL cells. Intrigued by these findings, we studied the role of SAA in PDAC cell proliferation in-vivo. Luciferase-expressing KPC cells were injected into SAA-KO mice (KOSAA-KPCL) and controls (WT-KPCL). Unexpectedly, bioluminescence imaging revealed a dramatic growth of KPC cells in the pancreas of SAA-deficient animals. This was supported by a significantly higher rate of metastasis to the liver, increased by 62.5% in KOSAA-KPCL compared to WT-KPCL. SAA is retinol-binding protein and retinoic acid plays a vital role in the immune system. We found a decreased concentration of retinoic acid in the plasma of KOSAA-KPCL mice, with a significant decrease in CD8 expression in tumor tissue isolated from KOSAA-KPCL. These results suggest that SAA modulates immune response during PDAC cells growth. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that adipose tissue is likely a major source of SAA, where the absence of SAA leads to enhanced PDAC cells growth and metastasis through immune modulation. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of SAA for pancreatic cancer.

Citation Format: Yuki Takamuku, Mengistu Lemecha, Keiichi Itakura. Differential growth of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells in serum amyloid A (SAA) deficient mouse model through immune modulation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Pancreatic Cancer; 2023 Sep 27-30; Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(2 Suppl):Abstract nr C031.