Differential spatial distribution of HNF4α isoforms during dysplastic progression of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas

Abstract

Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4-alpha (HNF4α) comprises a nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-dependent transcription factors that yields twelve isoforms in humans, classified into promoters P1 or P2-associated groups with specific functions. Alterations in HNF4α isoforms have been associated with tumorigenesis. However, the distribution of its isoforms during progression from dysplasia to malignancy has not been studied, nor has it yet been studied in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, where both malignant and pre-malignant forms are routinely clinically identified. We examined the expression patterns of pan-promoter, P1-specific, and P2-specific isoform groups in normal pancreatic components and IPMNs. Pan-promoter, P1 and P2 nuclear expression were weakly positive in normal pancreatic components. Nuclear expression for all isoform groups was increased in low-grade IPMN, high-grade IPMN, and well-differentiated invasive adenocarcinoma. Poorly differentiated invasive components in IPMNs showed loss of all forms of HNF4α. Pan-promoter, and P1-specific HNF4α expression showed shifts in subnuclear and sub-anatomical distribution in IPMN, whereas P2 expression was consistently nuclear. Tumor cells with high-grade dysplasia at the basal interface with the stroma showed reduced expression of P1, while P2 was equally expressed in both components. Additional functional studies are warranted to further explore the mechanisms underlying the spatial and differential distribution of HNF4α isoforms in IPMNs.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Nov 16, 2023
Source ID
10.1038/s41598-023-47238-x

Entities

People

  • Anna L. Means
  • Chanjuan Shi
  • Frank Revetta
  • Jahg Wong
  • Jumanah F. Baig
  • Kathleen E DelGiorno
  • Marcus Hwai Yik Tan
  • Nidhi Jyotsana
  • Vincent Q. Trinh

Organizations

  • American Gastroenterological Association
  • Burroughs Wellcome Fund
  • National Institute of General Medical Sciences
  • United States Department of Defense
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Oncology and Biomarker-Based Cancer Detection.