Elucidation of the new developmental mechanism of pancreatic endocrine tissue by cell linage

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K06435
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 42030:Animal life science-related
• Research Institution: Gunma University
• Principal Investigator: Sato Takashi 群馬大学, 生体調節研究所, 准教授 (70344934)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 膵内分泌細胞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The islets of Langerhans in the pancreas are very important tissues that mainly secrete hormones that regulate blood sugar in the body. This tissue is composed of multiple cells, one of which, γ cells, has not been studied very well so far, so its properties are not well understood. In this research project, we have conducted research to clarify the properties of these γ cells by　application of mouse gene modification method that the principal investigator has continuously used. These studies have gradually elucidated the character of γ-cells and their association with the differentiation process and function of other endocrine cells such as β-cells and the mechanism of regulation of hormone secretion. We hope that further detailed analysis will reveal the whole picture of the properties and roles of these cells.

Free Research Field

分子生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

近年では高齢化が進むにつれ、様々な生活習慣病の罹患数が増加し健康寿命を延ばすための基礎医学的研究の重要性が指摘されている。研究代表者が所属する研究組織は代謝内分泌学の研究を増進しており、本研究では、膵臓の内分泌組織の成り立ちや役割についての研究を行っている。本課題はその研究に不可欠なマウス遺伝子改変技術を使うことで特にその働きがよくわかっていないγ細胞の性状を徐々に解明できつつある。今回の研究をさらに発展させることで膵臓の内分泌組織の形成の機序が明らかになることに加え、糖尿病などの膵臓機能と関連する様々な疾患の治療法の確立につながる知見をもたらすと期待している。