Given the existence of the HBx gene in human PDAC tissues, we
tested whether HBx influences the biology of pancreatic cancer
cells in vitro. PcHBx− is non-functional and causes no significant
cellular events either in PANC-1 or SW1990 cells, while PcHBx+
significantly enhances the proliferative and migratory abilities of
both cell lines (Fig. 3A–E). Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)
markers and related proteins were examined in both cell lines. Significant
changes were observed, with increased expression of ZEB1,
beta-catenin, Snail, Vimentin, Slug and decreased expression of
claudin-1 and E-cadherin (Fig. 3F). These results suggest that HBx
increases viability, proliferation and migration of PDAC cells with
EMT characteristics.