Analyses of molecular mechanisms underlying differentiation and proliferation of hepatic stem/progenitor cells for development of novel cell transplantation models

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K08988
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Gastroenterology
• Research Institution: Tokyo Medical and Dental University
• Principal Investigator: KAKINUMA Sei 東京医科歯科大学, 大学院医歯学総合研究科, 寄附講座准教授 (30372444)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 朝比奈 靖浩 東京医科歯科大学, 大学院医歯学総合研究科, 寄附講座教授 (00422692) ; 渡辺 守 東京医科歯科大学, 大学院医歯学総合研究科, 教授 (10175127)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): KAMIYA Akihide 東海大学, 医学部, 准教授 (30321904)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 再生医学 / 発生・分化 / 細胞移植 / 肝疾患治療 / iPS細胞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Investigators of this research project have studied on the molecular mechanisms underlying differentiation and proliferation of primary hepatic stem/progenitor cells purified by cell surface molecules and therapeutic efficacy of transplantation using hepatic stem/progenitor cells.
Our data demonstrated that MT1-MMP and MT1-MMP-related signaling promote luminal formation of bile ducts derived from fetal hepatic stem/progenitor cells, and that they negatively regulate differentiation of such cells into mature hepatocytes in association with modulation of EGF-signaling pathway. Our data also showed that BMP-4 signaling negatively regulates proliferation of primary hepatic stem/progenitor cells.
These studies contribute to the progress of regenerative medical science and development of autologous stem cell therapy against chronic liver diseases.

Free Research Field

消化器病学