The roles of Wnt5a, JNK and paxillin in the occurrence of metastasis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Wnt5a, p-JNK and p-paxillin proteins have been shown to be associated with the development of several types of cancer. Here we studied the role of Wnt5a, p-JNK and p-paxillin protein expressions and functions in the further development of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Fresh tissue samples from adjacent and malignant portions were obtained after operation from 58 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Wnt5a, p-JNK1, JNK1, paxillin and p-paxillin were detected with immunohistochemical staining. The expressions of Wnt5a, p-JNK1 and p-paxillin were higher in malignant tissues than in adjacent portions (p < 0.01), where JNK1 and paxillin were absent (p > 0.05). The expression levels of Wnt5a, p-JNK1 and p-paxillin in tumor tissues were correlated with each other (r = 0.564, 0.586 and 0.737, respectively). The expression of Wnt5a in tumor tissue could independently predict the occurrence of lymph node involvement [odds ratio (OR) 8.19, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.47-27.19]. The expression of p-JNK1 in tumor tissue was an independent predictor of peritoneal metastasis (OR 4.01, 95 % CI 1.32-12.17). Wnt5a/JNK signaling might be activated in pancreatic cancer. Wnt5a is the specific predictor for lymph node involvement.