Pancreatic adenocarcinoma up-regulated factor (PAUF)

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma up-regulated factor (PAUF) is a secreted, soluble protein encoded by the ZG16B gene and is primarily overexpressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and other tumor types including ovarian, breast, and cervical cancers[1][2][3][4][5][8]. PAUF belongs to the jacalin-binding lectin family, is approximately 20-25 kDa, and is involved in cancer growth, metastasis, tumor cell invasiveness, and modulation of the tumor microenvironment[5][6]. PAUF exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms, including acting as a ligand for Toll-like receptors (TLR2 and TLR4), activating downstream MAPK and β-catenin pathways, enhancing cell adhesiveness through FAK, and modulating immune responses and cytokine production[2][3][6]. High expression of PAUF correlates with poor prognosis, increased tumor aggressiveness, and chemoresistance in several cancers[1][2][8]. PAUF is currently investigated as a diagnostic/prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target, although no drugs directly targeting PAUF are yet available for clinical use[4][8].

Other names

Zymogen granule protein 16B (ZG16B)HRPE773PRO1567Common salivary protein 1-likesimilar to common salivary protein 1LOC124220

Modulation of TLR2 and TLR4 signaling (acting as an endogenous ligand); Activation of MAPK pathways (ERK, JNK, p38); Upregulation and stabilization of β-catenin via Akt-GSK-3β signaling; Activation of FAK (focal adhesion kinase) pathway; Induction of pro-tumorigenic cytokines