Core Insights - The 2024 Beijing Science and Technology Awards recognized 38 scientists and 193 achievements, with over half of the awarded projects involving enterprises for six consecutive years [1][3] - Basic research achievements accounted for 29.5% of the total awards, indicating a growing emphasis on foundational research [1][2] Group 1: Basic Research Achievements - Basic research is highlighted as the source of innovation, with significant achievements in cutting-edge fields such as new generation information technology, new materials, and health [2] - Notable awardees include Professor Deng Hongkui for developing new strategies for treating major diseases using stem cell technology, and researcher Dong Jin for leading the development of the "Chang'an Chain," a domestically controlled blockchain technology [2] Group 2: Enterprise Innovation - The project "Research and Industrialization of Advanced Oxide Semiconductor Technology for Intelligent Display" won the first prize for scientific and technological progress, showcasing the critical role of enterprises in innovation [3] - Companies like BOE Technology Group have been pivotal in advancing key components and materials in the display field, demonstrating a commitment to sustained R&D investment [3] Group 3: Youth Talent - Over 50% of the awardees are young talents aged 45 and below, reflecting the city's efforts to invigorate innovation among younger scientists [4] - Young researchers like Professor Liu Ying have made significant breakthroughs in life sciences, contributing to a better understanding of cellular mechanisms and potential treatments for metabolic disorders [4] Group 4: Award Overview - The awards included 57 natural science achievements, 24 technological invention awards, and 112 scientific and technological progress awards, with a total of 15 first prizes and 42 second prizes in natural sciences [5]

Core Insights - The article discusses the critical role of Osteopontin (SPP1), BMP2, and GREM1 in regulating pancreatic cancer cell fate, proposing a novel therapeutic strategy targeting SPP1 to reverse pancreatic cancer progression [3][25]. Group 1: Pancreatic Cancer Overview - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the most common and lethal type of pancreatic cancer, with a one-year survival rate of approximately 25% and a five-year survival rate of less than 5% [2]. - The disease is characterized by high heterogeneity and a complex tumor microenvironment, making treatment particularly challenging [2]. Group 2: Key Findings on SPP1 - The study reveals that SPP1, BMP2, and GREM1 play a central role in regulating pancreatic cancer cell fate [3]. - Elevated levels of SPP1 were found in late-stage pancreatic cancer patients, with significant implications for prognosis [5][6]. - High SPP1 expression correlates with worse outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients, indicating its potential as a biomarker and a direct participant in tumor progression [7]. Group 3: Mechanistic Insights - SPP1 interacts with the receptor CD61 on mesenchymal tumor cells, activating the NF-κB signaling pathway, which in turn regulates BMP2 and GREM1 expression [19]. - The communication between epithelial and mesenchymal tumor cells is described as a "telegram," with SPP1 and GREM1 acting as key signaling molecules [19][21]. Group 4: Experimental Models and Results - The research team developed genetically engineered mouse models to study the role of SPP1 in pancreatic cancer, demonstrating that knocking out SPP1 significantly reduced tumor progression and extended survival [12][14][26]. - The KPCY mouse model, which closely mimics human pancreatic cancer mutations, showed that targeting SPP1 with monoclonal antibodies effectively prolonged survival and inhibited metastasis without significant side effects [26]. Group 5: Multidisciplinary Collaboration - The study integrates clinical medicine, biophysics, and molecular biology, providing a comprehensive understanding of pancreatic cancer biology and laying the groundwork for new therapeutic strategies [29].