Establishment of a novel therapeutic strategy platform for diabetic eye complications through epigenomic regulation

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K16951
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56060:Ophthalmology-related
• Research Institution: University of Fukui (2018, 2021); Tokyo Dental College (2019-2020)
• Principal Investigator: Matsumura Takehiro 福井大学, 学術研究院医学系部門, 助教 (40529369)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 糖尿病眼合併症 / エピジェネティック / 糖尿病角膜症

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus involves not only the DNA sequence, but also non-genetic factors due to the environment, i.e. epigenetics. We have previously found that epigenetic modulators ameliorate cataracts, one of the diabetic ocular complications. These results indicate that epigenetic abnormalities associated with changes in the ocular tissue environment caused by diabetes mellitus can be corrected by the medications. In this study, we used an animal model of diabetic keratopathy to examine the relationship of epigenetics in ocular tissues other than the crystalline lens. The results suggest that histone deacetylase inhibitors may improve corneal wound healing in galactose-induced hyperglycemic rats.

Free Research Field

眼科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

増加を辿る糖尿病患者に伴い、合併症に対する治療のニーズも高まり続けている。糖尿病眼合併症である糖尿病網膜症や糖尿病黄斑浮腫、糖尿病白内障、糖尿病角膜症といった疾患において、本研究成果により、それらの病態におけるエピジェネティックなメカニズムを解明することで、これまでにない新たなアプローチから治療に繋がる戦略を提唱できると考えられる。