Novel molecular mechanisms of actions of homocysteine, a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16H05107
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Environmental and hygienic pharmacy
• Research Institution: Showa Pharmaceutical University
• Principal Investigator: ISHII Isao 昭和薬科大学, 薬学部, 教授 (90292953)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: ホモシステイン / PPARalpha / オキシトシン / X線結晶構造解析 / 硫化水素 / 活性イオウ分子種 / 心血管病 / 高脂血症

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Elevated plasma levels of homocysteine are considered as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and this study aims to reveal yet unknown underlying molecular mechanisms. Here we investigated the structure of PPARa, a candidate of homocysteine target, and found the failure of oxytocin signaling (milk ejection and maternal behavior) in mice lacking cystathionine gamma-lyase that display homocysteinemia.

Free Research Field

代謝生化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

高脂血症薬の標的分子であるPPARalphaの構造を解明したことは、同分子を標的とする創薬に貢献できる。また、ホモシステインの作用機序の解明は、心血管病発症進展予防に寄与すると期待される。