Glycosylated Chitosan Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis by Blocking the Caveolin Signaling Pathway

Background and Objectives: Pancreatic cancer is highly metastatic, and metastasis is the main cause of cancer-related deaths. Therefore, finding methods to inhibit pancreatic cancer metastasis has important clinical value. Methods: N-dihydrogalactochitosan (GC) is an immunostimulant that can enhance the anti-tumor immune response to inhibit metastasis in combination with photothermal therapy. Results: Here, we found that GC can inhibit the migration of pancreatic cancer cells through interactions with caveolin-1 (Cav-1). The fluorescence of GC-FITC on the cell surface overlaps with Cav-1-Red, is enhanced by adCav-1, and is weakened by siCav-1, indicating that the localization of GC depends on Cav-1. GC inhibits the migration of malignant cells by blocking the signal transduction of Cav-1 and its downstream molecules. In an orthotopic pancreatic tumor model, GC can inhibit tumor metastasis in tumor-bearing mice. Conclusions: These results demonstrate GC’s capacity to act as a partner in pancreatic cancer therapy and indicate future directions for metastatic cancer therapy.