TNS1 and TNS4 play a potential role in development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma but not TNS2 and TNS3.

Tensins are a family of adhesion proteins that play a role in constructing the cytoskeleton, as well as in intracellular and extracellular communication. Their expression was evaluated in 22 pancreatic cancer patients using the immunohistochemistry method. TNS1 expression occurred more frequently among patients with tumor diameter ≥ 2 cm, which may suggest an association with the development of pancreatic cancer. Intraductal TNS1 was observed less often with presence of necrosis and hemorrhages in tumor. The fact that cancer cells secrete TNS1 suggests that it could be investigated as a potential target for liquid biopsies. TNS4 expression occurred more frequently among females and was observed when necrosis in tumor was strong. TNS2 and TNS3 are not involved in the development of ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma.