Identification of Nectin-3-related miRNAs in high-grade pancreatic ductal carcinoma and their novel application to diagnosis and treatment

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K08659
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Human pathology
• Research Institution: Tokai University
• Principal Investigator: HIRABAYSHI Kenichi 東海大学, 医学部, 講師 (60514388)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 川口 義明 東海大学, 医学部, 准教授 (80381482)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 膵臓 / 膵管癌 / Nectin-3 / miRNA / 細胞接着分子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we examined the expression of a miRNA controlling Nectin-3 expression, and its significance in pancreatic ductal carcinoma. Comprehensive analysis by microarray revealed that two miRNAs were significantly upregulated in Nectin-3-knockdown cells. We confirmed that one of these miRNAs suppressed expression of Nectin-3. Furthermore, in situ hybridization in tissues resected from pancreatic cancer and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia suggested that the Nectin-3-related miRNA is associated with shorter overall survival and carcinogenesis of pancreatic ductal carcinoma.

Free Research Field

人体病理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、細胞間接着分子の一つであるNectin-3の発現と制御に関わるmiRNAを膵管癌細胞で同定した。更にin situ hybridizationを用いた検討では、Nectin-3関連miRNAが膵管癌の発癌や全生存期間の短縮に関わることが示唆された。本研究の成果は、Nectin-3関連miRNAを対象とした膵管癌の新規バイオマーカーや治療法の開発への発展が期待され、学術的・社会的に意義あるものと考えられる。