The role of PEDF in pancreatic cancer

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is an important antiangiogenic and antitumorigenic factor in a variety of cancer forms, including pancreatic cancer. PEDF is mainly secreted as a soluble monomeric glycoprotein. In human pancreatic cancer PEDF levels are decreased, both in the tissue and serum. The decrease is associated with increased tumor angiogenesis, fibrosis, inflammation, autophagy, occurrence of liver metastasis and worse prognosis. In murine models, loss of PEDF is sufficient to induce invasive carcinoma and this phenotype is associated with large lesions characterized by poor differentiation. Lentiviral gene transfer of PEDF has resulted in decreased microvessel density and has inhibited tumor growth. Herein we review the multifunctional role of PEDF in pancreatic cancer and its therapeutic potential.