Elucidation of cell-cell interaction in myelodysplastic syndromes via tumor exosome

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17H07059
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Laboratory medicine
• Research Institution: International University of Health and Welfare
• Principal Investigator: Shibuta Tatsuki 国際医療福祉大学, 福岡保健医療学部, 助教 (20799192)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-08-25 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: MDS / Exosome / miRNA

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Aiming at the elucidation of the effects of exosomes derived from tumor cells in myelodysplastic syndromes, we analyzed miRNAs and cytokines in various cells that took up MDS-exosomes. After adding exosomes to each cell culture, these exosomes were most abundant in regulatory T cells (Tregs). Besides, Tregs highly expressed miRNAs which were included in MDS-exosomes. The amount of IL-10 was increased in supernatant of Tregs culture, and the expression of IL-10 mRNA was also increased in Tregs. These data suggested MDS-exosome affects the immune system of patients.

Free Research Field

病態検査学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

骨髄異形成症候群(MDS)は多くの症例で遺伝子・染色体異常が見られるが，慢性に進行し最終的には骨髄性白血病へと進展する。通常ごく少量の腫瘍細胞は免疫システムにより排除されるが，このような慢性腫瘍で排除が進まない原因が不明であった。本研究により，腫瘍細胞自身が免疫システムに干渉し排除を逃れている可能性が示唆された。エクソソームを標的とした新たな創薬・診断薬の開発を目指すことで，MDSの早期診断・病態進展の抑制が期待される。