Influence of KGF on the progression of pancreatic cancer.

Background: Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF increases the proliferation and motility of many epithelial cells and is known to be up-regulated in pancreatic cancer. The present study examined the hypothesis that KGF may initiate or enhance the progression of pancreatic cancer by increasing the proliferation and motility of pancreatic cancer cells.
Materials and Methods: HPAF-II pancreatic cancer cell migration and proliferation was evaluated using a culture wounding assay 24 and 48 hours following KGF treatment. KGF receptor (KGFR) localization in these cells was established by immunohistochemistry.
Results: KGF treatment significantly increased the proliferation and motility of the HPAF-II cells. In addition, KGF enhanced the motile morphology of these cancer cells.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that KGF has a rapid influence on the proliferation and motility of HPAF-II cells and suggest that KGF may be involved in the progression of pancreatic cancer.