Analysis of epigenomic abnormalities in Merkel cell carcinoma

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17K15644
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Human pathology
• Research Institution: Tottori University
• Principal Investigator: MATSUSHITA Michiko 鳥取大学, 医学部, 助教 (70642198)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: MCPyV / SWI/SNF複合体 / H3K27me3 / Notch

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a malignant neuroendocrine skin tumor that occurs most often in elderly patients. Approximately 80% of MCCs harbor Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), thought to be a carcinogenic agent. In this study, modification of H3K27me3 was significantly lower in MCPyV-negative MCCs than in MCPyV-positive MCCs.

Free Research Field

医歯薬学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

遺伝子発現やクロマチン状態は、ヒストン修飾を始めとしたエピジェネティクスな制御を受ける。H3K27me3の修飾状態がMCPyV陽性MCCとMCPyV陰性MCCで異なることからMCPyV陽性MCCとMCPyV陰性MCCでの遺伝子発現の差異の原因の一つである可能性が示唆され、治療法の開発へとつながる研究基盤となることが期待される。