Low concentrations of beta-carotene stimulate the proliferation of human pancreatic duct epithelial cells in a PKA-dependent manner.

Cancer Genomics Proteomics

Experimental Oncology Laboratory, Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.

Published: October 2007

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Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the most common causes of cancer death. Preclinical and clinical studies on the preventive effects of beta-carotene or other retinoids have used dietary supplements that yielded high systemic concentrations (1-50 microM). While some of the preclinical data suggested cancer preventive effects of these agents, they have disappointed in clinical investigations.

Materials And Methods: The effects of low concentrations (10 fM-200 nM)of beta-carotene on the proliferation, intracellular cAMP levels, PKA activation status and phosphorylation of EGFR-specific tyrosine kinases and ERK1/2 in immortalized human pancreatic duct epithelial cells was investigated.

Results: Our data show significant concentration-dependent and PKA-dependent stimulation of all measured endpoints. Similar responses were achieved with forskolin. Our data indicate that low concentrations of beta-carotene stimulate the proliferation of the putative origin of PDAC, pancreatic duct epithelial cells via cAMP and PKA-dependent transactivation of the EGFR pathway. This could potentially have promoting effects on the development of PDAC.

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