IL24 and its receptors regulate growth and migration of pancreatic cancer cells and are potential biomarkers for IL24 molecular therapy

Background: Pancreatic cancer is hard to diagnose and treat due to its asymptomatic development and early metastasis. Supplementary therapy including molecular targeted therapy is needed to improve the outcome of pancreatic cancer. The significance of interleukin 24 (IL24) and its receptors in pancreatic cancer were investigated in this study. Materials and Methods: Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was carried out in 200 patient samples of pancreatic cancer. Transcript and protein expression were investigated in pancreatic cancer cells. Impact of IL24 recombinant protein on cell functions was examined. Results: High IL20R1 transcript expression was related to early T stage, and advanced N, and M stage. They collectively correlated with the survival of the patients. Treatment with IL24 inhibited cell growth, but its impact on migration varied depending on protein concentration. Conclusion: IL20R1 correlated with prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer, and mediates pancreatic cancer cell growth and migration. It may be a potential biomarker for IL24 molecular-targeted therapy.