Clarification of Molecular Basis underlaying the multi functionality of Wnt signaling

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16H05141
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: General medical chemistry
• Research Institution: Gunma University
• Principal Investigator: Ishitani Tohru 群馬大学, 生体調節研究所, 教授 (40448428)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: Wntシグナル

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Wnt signaling has multi-functionality and controls cell proliferation, differentiation, and death in a context-depemndent manner. In this study, we explored and analyzed the molecular basis underlying the Wnt signaling multi-functionality.
First, we discovered that abnormal cells with defective Wnt signaling are sensed and then killed by neighboring normal cells, by using zebrafish imaging analyses. We also found that this abnormal cell killing is essential for robust embryogenesis.
Second, by collaboration, we identified new regulators supporting the Wnt signaling multi-functionality.

Free Research Field

シグナル伝達

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

動物がわずかな数の情報伝達システム（シグネル伝達経路）しか備えていないにも関わらず、複雑な動物発生を成し遂げることを可能にする原理の一端が明らかになった。
また、動物の胚発生過程で、頻繁にプログラムエラーが起きることや、そのエラーを修復する機構が存在することで確実な発生が成し遂げられることを突き止めた。