Potential of amino acid transporter as a marker for inflammation of intestinal mucosa

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K08379
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 53010:Gastroenterology-related
• Research Institution: Kitasato University
• Principal Investigator: Kawashima Rei 北里大学, 医療衛生学部, 准教授 (70392389)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 鎌田 弥生 順天堂大学, 大学院医学研究科, 准教授 (00410035) ; 高橋 美帆 同志社大学, 生命医科学部, 助教 (00446569) ; 藤田 朋恵 獨協医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (20296510) ; 市川 尊文 北里大学, 医療衛生学部, 教授 (30245378)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: アミノ酸 / アミノ酸トランスポーター / 粘膜 / 炎症

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The LAT transports a wide range of nonselective amino acids including essential amino acids, it is considered to be a gastrointestinal transporter that is important for nutrient absorption. We aimed to clarify the pathophysiological role of LATs in inflammation of gastrointestinal tract caused by antitumor agent. In addition to the increase in the Peyer's patch and the infiltrating cell number after administration of 5-FU, the immune response associated with inflammatory cytokine production was significantly enhanced. Further, As a result of investigating the mRNA and the protein expression of LAT1 and LAT2 in the tissues of the small intestines, we obtained the results such that after administration of 5-FU, LAT1 expression significantly increased, whereas LAT2 expression decreased.LAT1 expression was increased associated with the production of inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that LAT1 may become a gastrointestinal inflammatory marker.

Free Research Field

消化器疾患学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

癌治療の一つとして抗癌剤が広く使用されるようになった昨今、抗癌剤の副作用として腸管粘膜傷害で苦しむ患者が増加し、その対策が急務となっている。本研究で明らかになったLAT1の局所上昇は細胞内外へのアミノ酸輸送を行うアミノ酸トランスポーターは様々な癌との相関を意味するものであり、腫瘍細胞に必須アミノ酸を供給する主要なトランスポーターという観点からも、LAT1の新たな腫瘍マーカーとしての可能性が期待される。