Recent studies show that PDAC tumours are dependent on the cell survival and stress adaptation process called autophagy. Studies using pancreatic cancer cells and animal models have shown that inhibiting autophagy can slow tumour growth and enhance the effects of anti-cancer treatments. The overall objective of this study is to investigate the biological roles and therapeutic target potential of all four ATG4 family proteins in pancreatic cancer. They will examine how ATG4 inhibition affects proteins and processes within the tumour and in surrounding cells. Together, these studies will provide new knowledge on the biological roles and therapeutic potential of ATG4 family proteins in pancreatic cancer and may lead to the development of an urgently needed new treatment option for patients with pancreatic cancer.