Current Molecular and Genetic Aspects of Pancreatic Cancer, the Role of Metastasis Associated Proteins (MTA): A Review.

ABSTRACTPurpose/aim: To focus on current molecular and genetic aspects and MTA proteins, since pancreatic cancer is a lethal malignant with poor prognosis. Early diagnosis is essential step, contributing to potential curative resection. Materials and methods: A PubMed search of relevant articles published up to August 2016 was performed to identify current information about pancreatic cancer regarding molecular biomarkers, with emphasis on carcinogenesis, novel therapeutic targets, and MTA proteins. Results: Understanding the mechanisms involved in the process of carcinogenesis at the molecular level and the recognition of various oncogenes has opened new horizons for both diagnosis and targeted therapy. Metastasis associated (MTA) proteins (MTA1, MTA2, MTA3) comprise a well-established family of biomarkers. The oncogene MTA1 and its expression product MTA1 protein are the most important and adequately studied in the current research. It defines the growth, local invasiveness, lymphatic spread, and metast...