Establishment of Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Mutations and Method for Diagnosing Malignancy of Salivary Gland Tumor using Salivary Exosomes

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K11524
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Pathobiological dentistry/Dental radiology
• Research Institution: Tokyo Dental College
• Principal Investigator: Kokubun Katsutoshi 東京歯科大学, 歯学部, 講師 (90535808)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: エクソソーム / バイオマーカー / DNA / 腫瘍

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study explored the nature of dsDNA contained in the exosomes of cancer cells. Ultracentrifugation was used to purify the exosomes, and the expression of the exosome markers was confirmed by FACS and Western blot analysis. DNA was extracted from the exosomes, and the size of the DNA was evaluated by Bioanalyzer. TEM observation confirmed the expression of dsDNA in the exosomes. Analysis of dsDNA in the exosome revealed that it reflects a tumor specific gene mutation possessed by the parent cell. In addition, whole exome sequencing indicated that the DNA of the parent cell matches the DNA in the exosomes.

Free Research Field

臨床検査病理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究により、癌細胞由来のエクソソームを解析することで、癌細胞の遺伝子情報を得ることができ、診断やその後の治療方針に大変有効な情報を得ることができることがわかった。これにより、血液や唾液といった患者の体液中のエクソソームを解析するだけで、癌の遺伝子情報を踏まえた診断が可能となることも期待できる。