Development of novel index for metastatic cancer cell evaluation giving mechanical stimuli by kinesin-driven active matrix

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K12775
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 90110:Biomedical engineering-related
• Research Institution: Saitama University
• Principal Investigator: Kawamura Ryuzo 埼玉大学, 理工学研究科, 助教 (50534591)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 運動界面 / がん細胞 / 接着挙動 / 細胞分離技術 / 力学計測 / モータータンパク質 / キネシン / 微小管

Outline of Final Research Achievements

An active matrix which was obtained by crosslinking microtubules to a network and driven by kinesin motor proteins decorated on a solid substrate was developed in this research project toward realization of mechanically active matrix to predict metastatic property of cancer cells with expectation to find a new pathological index. The driving property of the active matrix was found to agitate micro-objects actively in isotropic manner and to generate force up to several nanonewtons. In addition to the generation of microscopic fluctuation by the active matrix, micro-fluidic device was established to realize automatic liquid handling and salvage of the cells exposed to mechanical stimuli on the active matrix and separate them according to the adhesion properties in such the dynamic condition. As the active matrix can induce formation of actin aggregations in metastatic cancer cells, this cell analysis method has potential to allow detection of metastatic cancer cells.

Free Research Field

生物物理化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

微小管・キネシンをはじめとするモータータンパク質は、細胞運動の根幹を成す分子であり、生物物理学や分子生物学の観点で解明研究が数多く展開されてきたが、運動機能を応用する研究では、分子の小ささに着目した報告がほとんどであった。本研究の手法は架橋した微小管のネットワークでマイクロメートル、ナノニュートンのスケールアップした運動を実現し、有益な応用の道筋として細胞の特徴を動的微小環境下で調べる新しい指標の獲得が期待できるものである。例えば、がん細胞の未知なる転移性を見抜く新技術に発展する可能性を秘めており、医工学的な有益性から社会的意義は大きいと言える。