Vall d'Hebron Talks by VHIR 'ELOVL6 in Pancreatic Cancer: A Key Player in Lipid Metabolism and Chemotherapy Response'

Speaker: Dr. Victor Sánchez - Arévalo Lobo, Principal investigator Molecular Oncology group of the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria-Hospital 12 de Octubre. Madrid.

Abstract: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal cancer with a 12% survival rate, highlighting the need for novel therapies. c-MYC overexpression, driven by upstream mutations and amplifications, reprograms tumor metabolism and promotes proliferation, migration and metastasis. This study identifies ELOVL6, a fatty acid elongase regulated by c-MYC, as a potential therapeutic target. Using PDAC mouse models and cell lines, we show that c-MYC directly upregulates ELOVL6 during tumor progression. Genetic or chemical inhibition of ELOVL6 reduces proliferation and migration by altering fatty acid composition, affecting membrane rigidity, permeability and pinocytosis. These changes increase Abraxane uptake and show a synergistic effect when combined with ELOVL6 inhibition in vitro. In vivo, ELOVL6 interference significantly suppresses tumor growth and improves Abraxane response, prolonging survival. These findings position ELOVL6 as a promising target for improving PDAC treatment outcomes.

Host: Dr. Juan Ángel Recio Conde, Head of group Biomedical Research in Melanoma. Vall Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR)