Aged Pancreatic Fibroblasts Secrete GDF-15, Encouraging Tumor Growth
Researchers have discovered that age-related changes in pancreatic fibroblasts play a crucial role in promoting tumor growth in pancreatic cancer. A study comparing fibroblasts from older and younger patients revealed that older cells release higher levels of a protein called growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), which accelerates tumor growth. This finding sheds light on why pancreatic cancer is more aggressive in older individuals and opens up new possibilities for therapeutic interventions. The study also identified the activation of the AKT signaling pathway by GDF-15 as a key mechanism in promoting tumor growth in an age-dependent manner. Future research will focus on exploring age-related changes in other cell types within pancreatic tumors and their impact on cancer progression.
For more information, visit: Age-related changes in fibroblast cells promote pancreatic cancer growth and spread – Johns Hopkins Medicine
