Investigation of non-selective cation channels in mammary secretory cells and their physiological roles in lactation

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17K15552
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: General physiology
• Research Institution: Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Kamikawa Akihiro 帯広畜産大学, 畜産学部, 助教 (30581665)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 非選択的陽イオンチャネル / TRP family / TMEM16A / 乳腺 / 泌乳 / 電解質輸送

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Electrophysiological analyses with isolated mammary secretory cells have suggested the functional expression of non-selective cation channels (NSCC). The gene expression of TRP family proteins, which are known as molecular bases of NSCC, were examined. The expressions of TRPV2 and 4, TRPVM4 and 7, and TRPP2 were detected. In addition, the novel variant of mouse TMEM16A (Ca2+-activated Cl- channel), which is known to physiologically and physically interact with NSCC, was determined in mammary glands. These ion channels might play important roles in milk production through the ion transport in mammary secretory cells.

Free Research Field

生理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

乳中には電解質（イオン）が含まれている。乳腺分泌細胞を介した電解質分泌は浸透圧性の水の分泌を伴い、乳量や乳質に影響を与える可能性がある。本研究によりその電解質分泌を担う可能性のあるイオンチャネル機能の一端が明らかになった。泌乳に関わる医学的な問題、例えば母乳量の不足や、出産とは関連しない過剰分泌による腫瘤形成などの原因解明や予防、治療につながることが期待される。また、農学分野においては家畜の乳量や乳質の改良のための新たな手段の開発につながる可能性がある。