Pancreatic cancer cell proliferation is phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase dependent.

Background: Genetic mutations found in pancreatic cancer (K-ras, p16, p53) lead to inappropriate cellular proliferation. Mitogens stimulate proliferation via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)- and/or the p44/42-mitogen-activated protein kinase [p44/42-MAPK or extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)] signaling pathways. We examined whether inhibition of either PI3K or ERK could limit proliferation in human pancreatic cancer.

Methods: Proliferation was stimulated in quiescent human pancreatic cancer cell lines (BxPC3 and Panc-1) by 10% fetal calf serum (FCS). In certain samples, PD98059 (an ERK inhibitor) or LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor) was also added. AKT phosphorylation (indicating PI3K activity) and ERK phosphorylation (ERK activation) were determined by Western blot. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Cell cycle progression and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. A two-tailed t test was used for statistical analysis of the data (significance P < 0.05).

Results: LY294002 inhibited the PI3K pathway without affecting ERK activation in response to serum. PD98059 inhibited the ERK pathway specifically. In both BxPC-3 and Panc-1 cell lines, LY294002 inhibited serum-induced proliferation. This was associated with G(1) cell cycle arrest and with an increase in the rate of apoptosis. PD98059 inhibited proliferation only in BxPC3 cells, and to a lesser degree than did LY294002.

Conclusions: PI3K signaling appears to be necessary for G(1)-to-S phase progression and proliferation in pancreatic cancer cells. ERK plays a lesser role in mitogen-induced proliferation. Pharmacological inhibition of PI3K may decrease proliferation, increase apoptosis, and potentially confer therapeutic benefit in pancreatic cancer.