The multifunctional growth factor midkine promotes proliferation and migration in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has still a devastating prognosis among solid tumors and despite increased knowledge of molecular mechanisms contributing to progression and metastasis, no real progress has been done in establishing new targeted therapy options for this deadly disease. The expression of the multifunctional growth/differentiation factor Midkine in various cancer cells promotes a variety of cellular functions leading to increased angiogenesis, proliferation, migration and survival. Moreover, Midkine is currently and intensively discussed as a potential new therapy-target and a biomarker for…