Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive cancer types, and is characterized by rapid progression, resistance to therapy and poor overall prognosis. Adhesion molecules can influence signal transduction, survival, pathogenesis, development and progression in PDAC. However, the role of adhesion molecules and therapeutic targets in PDAC is inadequately characterized. Therefore, the present review critically evaluated the interactions, associations and co-expression patterns of adhesion molecules in PDAC. The interaction between adhesion molecules, such as carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecules (CEACAMs) and integrins, can influence the differentiation, activation, proliferation, metastasis and cytoskeletal remodeling of cancer cells. In addition, adhesion molecules can regulate tumor progression, metastasis, and cellular adhesion and signaling. The present analysis has brought to attention the interaction between CEACAM6 and integrins, which may affect the prognosis of PDAC. Functional and molecular evaluation revealed that CEACAM6 contributes to resistance to anoikis in PDAC through interactions with partner proteins and activation of survival signaling pathways, particularly the Src/focal adhesion kinase axis. In conclusion, the interaction between CEACAM6 and integrins can influence PDAC progression, desmoplasia and treatment resistance. Targeting this adhesion signaling axis presents a promising strategy to improve diagnostic precision and develop more effective personalized therapies for PDAC.