Erk-independent Regulation of Growth in Pancreatic Carcinoma via Rap1

Aims: For the small GTPase Rap1 it has been shown that it inhibits growth in pancreatic cancer cells. The underlying mechanism has not yet been fully clarified. Interestingly this effect of Rap1 maynot be due to interference to Ras effector function. There is evidence for additional functions of endogenous Rap1 in cellular differentiation, adhesion and cell migration.The aim of the present study was to explore the influence of endogenous Rap1 activation on pancreatic cell growth. Methods: Activation of Rap1 or Ras proteins in MiaPaCa or Panc1 pancreatic carcinoma cell lines was detected by affinity precipitation…