Population dynamics after pancreatitis dictates long-lasting epigenetic reprogramming and mediates tumor predisposition.

A preprint abstract from biorxiv.org discusses the impact of acute pancreatitis (AP) on epithelial cells and the potential for long-lasting epigenetic reprogramming and tumor predisposition. The study used experimental pancreatitis in mice to examine cell type abundance and heterogeneity during tissue regeneration. The researchers found that AP perturbs a subset of acinar cells, leading to changes in proteome and epigenetic differences. They also discovered that acini show elevated Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) after recovery from pancreatitis, and that ER stress promotes acinar cell metaplasia. The findings suggest that strategies to alleviate UPR might reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer for individuals who have experienced AP. [Extracted from the article]