Upregulation of KLK8 Predicts Poor Prognosis in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a growing cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Kallikrein-related peptidase 8 (KLK8) has potential clinical values in many cancers. However, the clinicopathological significances KLK8 PDAC remain unknown. We explored relationship to features based on public databases. expression was examined human tissues. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated KLK8-overexpressed pancreatic cancer cell lines Mia-paca-2 Panc-1. The related signaling pathways involved progression analyzed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) further verified vitro studies. found that up-regulated tumor tissues TCGA-PAAD cohort, an independent prognostic factor for both overall survival disease-free PDAC. mRNA protein expressions increased compared with para-cancerous pancreas. overexpression exerted pro-proliferation anti-apoptotic functions Panc-1 cells. GSEA showed positively associated PI3K-Akt-mTOR Notch pathways. KLK8-induced effects cells attenuated inhibitors PI3K, Akt, mTOR, but not inhibitor Notch. Furthermore, significantly epidermal growth (EGF) levels culture media. EGF receptor (EGFR) could block activation PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway attenuate In conclusion, exerts via signaling-dependent pathway. Upregulated predicts poor prognosis may be therapeutic target