RESUMO
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal human malignancies without effective treatment. In an effort to discover key genes and molecular pathways underlying PC growth, we have identified LIM domain only 7 (LMO7) as an under-investigated molecule, which highly expresses in primary and metastatic human and mouse PC with the potential of impacting PC tumorigenesis and metastasis. Using genetic methods with siRNA, shRNA, and CRISPR-Cas9, we have successfully generated stable mouse PC cells with LMO7 knockdown or knockout. Using these cells with loss of LMO7 function, we have demonstrated that intrinsic LMO7 defect significantly suppresses PC cell proliferation, anchorage-free colony formation, and mobility in vitro and slows orthotopic PC tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that loss of LMO7 function causes PC cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. These data indicate that LMO7 functions as an independent and unrecognized druggable factor significantly impacting PC growth and metastasis, which could be harnessed for developing a new targeted therapy for PC.
RESUMO
A fistula between a Zenker's diverticulum and the trachea has only been reported once, in 1983. Here, we report a case of a fistula between a large Zenker's diverticulum and the trachea with complete occlusion of the esophagus. The fistula was repaired, first by an esophageal myotomy, followed by proximal resection of the diverticulum, completion of the esophageal myotomy, transection of the fistula, and repair of the trachea. The surgical repair provided complete resolution of symptoms without complications.
