Functional analysis of gastrointestinal interstitial cells using genetic labeling technique

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K08150
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: General anatomy (including histology/embryology)
• Research Institution: University of Fukui
• Principal Investigator: IINO SATOSHI 福井大学, 学術研究院医学系部門, 教授 (40242854)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 堀口 和秀 福井大学, 学術研究院医学系部門, 准教授 (20377451) ; 橋本 隆 福井大学, 学術研究院医学系部門, 特命助教 (60712891)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): HORIGUCHI SATOMI 福井大学, 学術研究院医学系部門, 特別研究員 (00595283)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 間質細胞 / 線維芽細胞 / カハール介在細胞 / PDGF受容体α / c-Kit / ヘッジホッグ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We observed gastrointestinal interstitial cells such as interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and fibroblasts (fibroblast-like cells) using genetic labeling mice. We showed that fibroblasts in the musculature expressed c-Kit ligand SCF (stem cell factor) that is essential for ICC development. Using lacZ reporter mice, we showed that ICC and fibroblasts expressed zinc finger protein Gli1 and Gli2 known as glioma-associated oncogene. These proteins are transcription factors mediating the hedgehog pathway and regulate gastrointestinal tract development. Our findings suggest that ICC and fibroblasts are regulated by hedgehog signaling in development and maintenance of gastrointestinal tract.

Free Research Field

解剖学