Analysis of TrkB and BDNF expression and function in malignant salivary gland tumors

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K19089
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Human pathology
• Research Institution: Tokai University
• Principal Investigator: KONDO Yusuke 東海大学, 医学部, 講師 (70610070)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: 唾液腺導管癌 / TrkB / BDNF

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We analyzed TrkB, BDNF and NT-4 in salivary duct carcinoma (SDC). We found that all proteins expressed in the cytoplasm od SDC. There was high number of TrkB-positive cases in the pT4 group than pT1-3 and BDNF-positive cases in the ex-PA group. There were no significant findings related to NT-4. There were no significant differences or correlation in mRNA copy number. Expression of TrkB may be involved in SDC tumor growth.

Free Research Field

病理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究結果を基にTrｋBを対象とした分子標的治療の樹立が期待できる。SDC治療の第一選択は切除であったが、切除による顔貌の変化や唾液減少による口腔内環境悪化が問題となっている。TrkB分子標的治療が実現できれば、これらの問題が大幅に軽減できる可能性があり、治療後のQOL低下の波及効果が高い。また、SDCのみならず、他の悪性唾液腺腫瘍に対しても応用が期待でき患者利益は大きい。