Investigating the Role of a Novel Gene in Modulating Polyploid Giant Cancer Cell Formation and Multidrug Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer (PC), particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is a highly lethal malignancy known for its poor prognosis. A major challenge in treating PDAC is multidrug resistance (MDR), which enables tumor cells to evade the effects of various chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, the formation of polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs), characterized by polyploidy and reversible cell cycle arrest, complicates treatment further by promoting tumor recurrence. Understanding the role of Gene X is crucial, as it may provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying MDR and PGCCs in PDAC, potentially leading to novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, we found that the knockdown of Gene X led to significant cellular giantism, marked by enlarged cell sizes and irregular morphologies, indicating its critical role in maintaining normal cellular structure. Moreover, we found that although Gene X knockdown had a minor impact on sensitivity to Gemcitabine, it significantly increased resistance to Paclitaxel. This differential response highlights the potential role of Gene X in regulating pathways that are specific to the mechanisms of action of each drug, further emphasizing its relevance in the context of PDAC treatment challenges.