The ambiguous role of C/EBPδ in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal cancer with an increasing incidence and a devastatingly low 5-year survival rate. It is often diagnosed at a late stage when the primary tumor has spread to distant organs, leaving these patients with insufficient treatment options. To improve these poor prognoses, we must enhance our understanding of the molecular biology of PDAC. This study presents a first assessment of the role of the transcription factor C/EBPδ, a known tumor-suppressor in different cancers, in PDAC cells and patient outcome. We identified multiple positive effects of C/EBPδ on clinical parameters and further confirm a tumor-suppressive role using conventional and advanced cell culture methods and subcutaneous mouse models. Importantly, the positive effects of C/EBPδ are co-determined by oxygen tension and differ vastly depending on the cell type in which C/EBPδ is expressed and assessed. In conclusion, this thesis sheds light on the multifaceted role of C/EBPδ in PDAC, highlighting its potential as a tumor suppressor and providing insights into its regulation and therapeutic implications.