Role of YY1 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives

YY1 (Yin Yang 1) is a transcription factor (TF) widely conserved across normal biological cells and solid tumors. It plays a key role in inflammation-related diseases and cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In preclinical investigations, YY1 suppression has shown the ability to reduce PDAC growth, sensitize PDAC cells to chemotherapy, and induce apoptosis. Recent investigations have suggested the combination of YY1 inhibition with an immune checkpoint inhibitor for increased therapeutic effects; nevertheless, clinically, YY1-targeted treatment has yet to be adapted for PDAC. The current review summarizes YY1, its function in inflammation, PDAC progression, and the strategies for YY1-directed therapy involving small molecule inhibitors, gene editing, and RNA interference.