HJURP and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: HJURP is a protein-coding gene that plays a crucial role in centromere function and chromosomal stability by facilitating the assembly of the CENP-A nucleosome at centromeres.[45] HJURP expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells and tissues is significantly higher compared to adjacent normal tissues, and high levels of HJURP are associated with poor survival rates.