Overall hypothesis: KMT2D links TGF-β and activin A signaling. TGF-β induces KMT2D mRNA degradation by the upregulation of miR-147b. Decreased expression of KMT2D subsequently upregulates the transcription of INHBA/activin A, which then promotes EMT, cell migration and invasion, tumorigenicity, PDAC progression, and metastasis via a p38-mediated non-canonical pathway.