Elucidation of molecular and cellular basis for niche development toward cancer stem cell regulation

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17K07156
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Tumor biology
• Research Institution: Tokyo Medical and Dental University
• Principal Investigator: Tabu Kouichi 東京医科歯科大学, 難治疾患研究所, 助教 (10466469)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: がん幹細胞 / 微小環境 / ニッチ / 治療抵抗性 / 再発 / ポリマー / 高分子 / 亜集団

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study was carried out with the aim of developing the therapies targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their microenvironments (niche). We have revealed that a subpopulation of CSCs has the comprehensive role for constructing niche and that such niche-constructing CSCs (ncCSCs) are dramatically enriched after the treatment of anti-glioma drug Temozolomide. We also identified some biomimetic polymer compounds that promote or inhibit the expansion of ncCSCs. Our findings could help develop new therapeutics for CSCs/niche intervention, potentially leading to cancer eradication.

Free Research Field

腫瘍生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

がん微小環境（ニッチ）を構成する分子・細胞要素は極めて多岐に渡ることから、それらの包括的な理解と制御は未だ達成されていない。本研究におけるニッチ構築がん幹細胞の同定は、がん微小環境の全容解明を飛躍的に促す足掛かりとなる成果であり、高い学術的意義を有する。また、従来の低分子抗がん剤に耐性の高いがん幹細胞に対し機能性のポリマーを同定できたことは新たながん根絶技術の開発を期待できる成果であり、大きな社会的意義を有する。