In pancreatic cancer, leptin (LEP) increases CD133 expression, the number of cells in the S phase, and overall progression and proliferation through increased expression of Notch receptors, ligands, and target molecules (NOTCH1-4, DLL4, JAG1, BIRC5 [survivin], and HEY2). The gene discussed is LEP; the disease is familial pancreatic carcinoma.