Spatial analysis of IPMNs defines a paradoxical KRT17-positive, low-grade epithelial population harboring malignant features
Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) represent one of the few radiologically identifiable precursors to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); however, identifying lesions at greater risk of progressing to malignancy remains elusive. To investigate the transcriptional changes that occur during IPMN progression, we performed spatial transcriptomics and single cell RNA sequencing on IPMN specimens. We identified a subpopulation of histologically low-grade IPMN epithelial cells that express malignant transcriptional features including KRT17, S100A10 and CEACAM5, markers that are enriched in PDAC. Our study demonstrates that KRT17 marks a distinct signature in a subpopulation of epithelial cells within histologically low-grade IPMN which may represent a higher risk of... (for more see dbGaP study page.)