Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers and has one of the lowest survival rates—only 10% after five years. One of the factors contributing to its aggressiveness is its tumor microenvironment, known as the stroma, which makes up the majority of the tumor mass and consists of a network of proteins and different non-tumor cells. Among these, fibroblasts play a key role, helping tumor cells to grow and increasing their resistance to drugs.
Researchers have identified a key protein, YAP1, that plays a major role in driving the aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer. By using mouse models and organoids, the study revealed that YAP1 activates a gene network responsible for the fast growth and spread of tumors—especially in the squamous subtype of pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest forms. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for potential therapies that could target YAP1 to slow down or stop cancer progression.