The role of RNA-binding protein Mex-3B in the regulation of metabolism through the regulation of microbiota

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K07381
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 49010:Pathological biochemistry-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Yamazumi Yusuke 東京大学, 定量生命科学研究所, 特任助教 (40773768)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 腸内細菌 / 代謝

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Gut microbiota is now recognized as the important tissue for the regulation of host metabolism. Disruption of microbiota (dysbiosis) leads to the obesity, exacerbation of insulin resistance, and diabetes mellites. On the other hand, some microorganisms improve host metabolism through the production of their metabolites. We have found that Mex-3B regulates insulin sensitivity through the regulation of microbiota and following metabolites change. To identify the microorganisms which affect insulin sensitivity, we performed whole metagenome sequencing analysis against fecal DNA and identified several microorganisms. Furthermore, we performed single cell RNA-seq analysis of intraepithelial immune cells and found that some cell populations are altered in Mex-3B deficient mice.

Free Research Field

分子生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

腸内細菌叢は疾患や基礎代謝などに大きな影響を与えることが明らかになっている。しかしながら、腸内細菌叢に含まれる菌のうち、実際にどのような菌が有用なのか、また、なぜそれらの菌が腸内に存在しているかなどはあまり明らかになっていない。本研究では、基礎代謝の向上に寄与する可能性がある菌を複数同定することができるだけでなく、なぜ腸内でその菌が増えるのか、その制御機構の一端を明らかにすることができた。