Genetic ablation of ketohexokinase C isoform impairs pancreatic cancer development


Date

2023-08-18

Publication Type

Journal Article

ETH Bibliography

yes

Citations

Altmetric

Data

Abstract

Although dietary fructose is associated with an elevated risk for pancreatic cancer, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we report that ketohexokinase (KHK), the rate-limiting enzyme of fructose metabolism, is a driver of PDAC development. We demonstrate that fructose triggers KHK and induces fructolytic gene expression in mouse and human PDAC. Genetic inactivation of KhkC enhances the survival of KPC-driven PDAC even in the absence of high fructose diet. Furthermore, it decreases the viability, migratory capability, and growth of KPC cells in a cell autonomous manner. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that genetic ablation of KHKC strongly impairs the activation of KRAS-MAPK pathway and of rpS6, a downstream target of mTORC signaling. Moreover, overexpression of KHKC in KPC cells enhances the downstream KRAS pathway and cell viability. Our data provide new insights into the role of KHK in PDAC progression and imply that inhibiting KHK could have profound implications for pancreatic cancer therapy.

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

Journal / series

Volume

26 (8)

Pages / Article No.

107368

Publisher

Elsevier

Event

Edition / version

Methods

Software

Geographic location

Date collected

Date created

Subject

Natural sciences; Biological sciences; Biochemistry; Systems biology; Cancer systems biology

Organisational unit

09703 - Alimonti, Andrea / Alimonti, Andrea check_circle
03739 - Stoffel, Markus / Stoffel, Markus check_circle

Notes

Funding

176317 - Roles of ketohexokinase signaling and fructose metabolism in pancreatic tumor growth (SNF)

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