Gene regulatory mechanisms by mechanical forces in cardiovascular system

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K18964
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: General physiology
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Kubo Atsushi 東北大学, 加齢医学研究所, 助教 (50638830)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 力学的刺激 / 伸展刺激 / せん断応力 / 心筋 / 血管内皮 / アクチン動態 / Hippo経路

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The mechanical forces are new important signals for development and homeostasis. But the mechanisms underlying the mechanotransduction are poorly understood. In this study, I focused on the novel transcriptional factor, which localization is mechanically regulated.
I identified the protein domain which is responsible for nuclear shuttling by using in vitro stretch system and shear stress system. Once cells receive the shear stress, this protein translocates to the nucleus immediately. Unexpectedly, this rapid translocation is dependent on the cellular Ca2+ increase.
In vivo localization of this protein is also analyzed in transgenic animals. the localization is dependent on the heartbeat. The knockout mice also revealed that this protein is necessary for cardiovascular homeostasis.

Free Research Field

発生生物学