The Role of Integrin Subunit Alpha 2 (ITGA2) in Pancreatic Cancer Progression

Background: Pancreatic cancer is a relatively uncommon type of cancer, although it is often very aggressive and highly metastases to other parts of the body. Investigating a potential gene marker or gene targeted therapy can improve the patient’s early prognosis and/or treatment. Objectives: In this study, we identify Integrin Subunit Alpha 2 (ITGA2) as a potential target in inhibiting pancreatic cancer progression. Materials and Methods: Cell cycle analysis, gene expression level, and cell proliferation assay are implanted in this study as investigational methods. Two-tailed student's t test is used to compare between the studied groups. Results: Cell cycle analysis for the transformed cell lines revealed increasing in G0/G1 phase and entering the cells the cell cycle arrest (quiescence) after knocking down ITGA2 expression. On the other hand, knocking down the ITGA2 effect, the mesenchymal to epithelial transition and the migration possibility of the cell lines by inhibiting the expression of metastatic marker vimentin. Furthermore, ITGA2 can manipulate the tumor microenvironment by downregulating extracellular matrix proteins (ECM-proteins) LAMB3, and LAMC2. Conclusion: ITGA2 downregulation reduces the cell proliferation, induces the cell cycle arrest, and reduce the possibility of metastasis in pancreatic cancer.