Serum levels of iCAF-derived Osteoglycin predict favorable outcome in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by abundant stroma, the main cellular constituents of which are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Heterogeneity in the PDAC CAF population was recently delineated demonstrating that both tumor-promoting and -suppressive activities co-exist in the stroma. Here, we aimed to identify biomarkers for the CAF population that contribute to a favorable outcome. Osteoglycin (OGN) was identified as a candidate serum prognostic marker. Single-cell analysis in KPC mice indicated that OGN is derived from a subgroup of inflammatory CAFs. OGN-expressing fibroblasts are distinct from resident healthy pancreatic stellate cells and arise during pancreatitis. Serum OGN levels were prognostic for favorable overall survival in two independent PDAC cohorts. Overall design: Examination of single cell RNA expression profiles of pancreatic cells and post induced pancreatitis