The role of galectin-1 in the pathophysiology of ocular disorder

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K09944
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 56060:Ophthalmology-related
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: Kanda Atsuhiro 北海道大学, 医学研究院, 客員研究員 (80342707)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: ガレクチンー1

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We revealed that the glycan-binding protein galectin-1 binds to VEGFR-2 in retinal vascular endothelial cells in a VEGF-independent manner, promotes receptor phosphorylation and cell proliferation, and induces angiogenesis. In diabetic retinopathy, we clarified the mechanism by which IL-1β stimulates the IL-1 receptor in Muller cells and promotes the synthesis of galectin-1 starting from the advanced glycation end products. In this study, we further developed the research results on angiogenesis and fibrosis of galectin-1 obtained so far, and further clarified the pathological control and physiological role of galectin-1 in inflammation of retinal disease pathology.

Free Research Field

眼科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

現在、眼科領域の分子標的療法では抗VEGF療法が臨床応用されたが、その抗VEGF療法に対して抵抗性を示す症例が多数報告されている。糖鎖結合タンパク質のガレクチン-1はVEGF非依存的に血管新生を眼内で惹起することから、糖鎖および糖鎖結合タンパク質の機能を理解することは糖尿病網膜症や加齢黄斑変性の新たな創薬に繋がる可能性が十分に高い。本研究計画により、眼科創薬が起点となって幅広理分野の研究が活性化され、我が国の医療水準の向上に貢献することが期待される。