Enhanced expression of annexin II in human pancreatic carcinoma cells and primary pancreatic cancers

Annexin II is a calcium and phospholipid binding protein anda substrate for protein-tyrosine kinases. Recent investigationshave revealed involvement of annexin II in DNA synthesis andcell proliferation. Increased levels of annexin II are observedin cancer cells and tissues. To investigate the expression ofannexin II in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells and primary tumors,we measured the levels of annexin II mRNA and protein in normalhuman pancreas, five established human pancreatic adenocarcinomacell lines, three primary pancreatic cancers and one metastatictumor. All five cell lines examined had 5- to 15-fold higherlevels of annexin II as compared to normal pancreas. Significantelevations (2-to 8-fold) of annexin II expression were observedin the three primary pancreatic tumors and one metastatic tumorexamined. Immunocytochemical analysis indicates that the increasedexpression of annexin II is limited to proliferating ductularadenocarcinoma, and annexin II expression co-localizes withcells that express PCNA. In normal pancreas, annexin II expressionis seen in ductal and ductular cells and no expression is seenin acinar or islet cells. We conclude from these findings thatannexin II has a role in cell proliferation and its regulationis altered in pancreatic cancer.