ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the relationship between tumor suppressor gene DPC4 and the development and prognosis of pancreatic carcinoma. Methods Relevant literatures of recent years were reviewed. Results DPC4 was located on chromosome 18. Its product was Smad 4 protein. Smad 4 protein was the central component of the transforming growth factor-beta signaling pathway, and all the biological effect was the results of interaction of Smad 4 and different Smads. The gene was deleted or inactive in about 50% of pancreatic carcinomas. The deletion of DPC4 had a great relation to the development and prognosis of pancreatic carcinoma. Conclusion The alteration of tumor suppressor gene DPC4 is connected with the development and prognosis of pancreatic carcinoma. However, this research should be further studied.