In conclusion, the present study reveals that the increased expression of OCT4 is correlated with the differentiation of pancreatic cancer, while knockdown of OCT4 suppresses the growth and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells through inhibition of AKT pathway-mediated PCNA and MMP-2 expression, suggesting that OCT4 might serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The gene discussed is POU5F1; the disease is familial pancreatic carcinoma.