Role of octamer transcription factor 4 in proliferation, migration, drug sensitivity, and stemness maintenance of pancreatic cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies characterized by rapid progression and poor prognosis. The involvement of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and Octamer transcription factor 4 (OCT4) in PC pathobiology is being increasingly recognized. AIM: To investigate the role of OCT4 in pancreatic CSCs and its effect on PC cell proliferation, migration, drug sensitivity, and stemness maintenance. METHODS: We analyzed OCT4 and CD133 expression in PC tissues and cell lines. BxPC-3 cells were used to assess the effects of OCT4 modulation on cellular behavior. Proliferation, migration, and stemness of BxPC-3 cells were evaluated, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was examined to gain mechanistic insights. RESULTS: OCT4 and CD133 were significantly overexpressed in PC tissues. OCT4 modulation altered BxPC-3 cell proliferation, invasion, and stemness, with OCT4 overexpression (OV-OCT4) enhancing these properties and OCT4 interference decreasing them. OV-OCT4 activated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which correlated with an increase in PC stem cells (PCSC). CONCLUSION: OCT4 plays a crucial role in PCSCs by influencing the aggressiveness and drug resistance of PC cells, thus presenting itself as a potential therapeutic target.