Syros, UCSD team identifies pancreatic cancer targets

Researchers from Syros Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:SYRS) and the University of California San Diego identified targets for pancreatic cancer by using Syros' gene control platform to analyze super-enhancers -- "master switch" transcriptional regulators responsible for maintaining cell identity -- in patients' pancreatic tumors. Data were presented this week at the American College of Surgeons meeting in San Diego.

Syros compared super-enhancers in immune, tumor and stromal cells isolated from pancreatic cancer patients to those in normal pancreatic tissues to identify key drivers of oncogenesis. In patient models, data suggested highly elevated expressions of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in pancreatic tumors. In mouse models, data suggested inhibiting LIF enhanced the efficacy of chemotherapy, inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival. Syros spokesperson Naomi Aoki told BioCentury the research identified LIF as a new target for pancreatic cancer...