MAPK Signaling Is Required for Dedifferentiation of Acinar Cells and Development of Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Mice

In iKras* and KC mice, MAPK signaling is required for the initiation and maintenance of pancreatic cancer precursor lesions. MAPK signaling promotes formation of PanINs by enabling dedifferentiation of acinar cells into duct-like cells that are susceptible to transformation.