CSNK2A1 confers gemcitabine resistance to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via inducing autophagy

Gemcitabine, a pivotal chemotherapeutic agent for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), frequently encounters drug resistance, posing a significant clinical challenge with implications for PDAC patient prognosis. In this study, employing an integrated approach involving bioinformatic analyses from multiple databases, we unveil CSNK2A1 as a key regulatory factor. The patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model further substantiates the critical role of CSNK2A1 in gemcitabine resistance within the context of PDAC. Additionally, targeted silencing of CSNK2A1 expression significantly enhances sensitivity of PDAC cells to gemcitabine treatment. Mechanistically, CSNK2A1's transcriptional regulation is mediated by H3K27 acetylation in PDAC. Moreover, we identify CSNK2A1 as a pivotal activator of autophagy, and enhanced autophagy drives gemcitabine resistance. Silmitasertib, an established CSNK2A1 inhibitor, can effectively inhibit autophagy. Notably, the combinatorial treatment of Silmitasertib with gemcitabine demonstrates remarkable efficacy in treating PDAC. In summary, our study reveals CSNK2A1 as a potent predictive factor for gemcitabine resistance in PDAC. Moreover, targeted CSNK2A1 inhibition by Silmitasertib represents a promising therapeutic strategy to restore gemcitabine sensitivity in PDAC, offering hope for improved clinical outcomes.