Nuclear-anchored FGFR regulates cell proliferation and cisplatin resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Background: In natural physiological conditions, FGF is a pleiotropic growth factor with multiple bio-activities and FGF/FGFR system has many important biological functions and roles. Interestingly, more and more evidences show that FGF/FGFR system plays an important role in the occurrence and development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Methods In our study, we explored the cellular characteristics of FGF/FGFR system in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. In addition, we also investigated the relationship between nuclear localized FGF/FGFR and cisplatin resistance. A series of experimental techniques including indirect immunofluorescence, Western-blot and ELISA were used to analyze the cellular characteristics of FGF/FGFR. We systematically assessed the cell behavior of IGF-1/IGF-1R in the Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell model. Results We have three main findings: First, we found that IGF-1R could transport into the cell nuclei of Pancreatic ductal carcinoma cell, and the nuclear-localized FGF/FGFR was closely related to the proliferation of Pancreatic ductal carcinoma cells. Additionally, we also found that the nuclear-localized FGF/FGFR might be closely associated with cisplatin resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, this may be a potential mechanism of cisplatin resistance; Secondly, we found that the nuclear-localized FGF/FGFR showed a positive correlation with the intensity of AKT signaling. Conclusions Taken together, this work lays the foundation for further research on the relationship between the nuclear FGF/FGFR and the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma development or cisplatin resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.