Role of capillary stem cells in skeletal muscle regeneration

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K16969
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 52010:General internal medicine-related
• Research Institution: Asahikawa Medical College
• Principal Investigator: Kano Kohei 旭川医科大学, 大学病院, 診療助教 (10835135)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 骨格筋再生 / 毛細血管周細胞 / Ninjurin1 / サルコペニア / 神経再生

Outline of Final Research Achievements

EphA7-positive pluripotent PCs (CapSCs) found in the pericyte (PCs) group of capillaries have the ability to differentiate into high muscle fibers in addition to microvascularization and peripheral nerve regeneration.
Focusing on these, we observed the dynamics of capillary PCs in skeletal muscle regeneration in vivo using unique PCs tracking mice, and clarified that capillary PCs contribute to the maintenance and regeneration of skeletal muscle mass. ..
Furthermore, we focused on the factor (Ninj1) involved in the formation of capillaries and the function of CapSCs. We proved that Ninj1 is a factor involved in skeletal muscle regeneration in the living body by using PCs-specifically created mice that induce deficiency of Ninj1.

Free Research Field

神経内科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

Ninj1は「毛細血管の構築」や「毛細血管由来の骨格筋再生細胞」という視点から、骨格筋再生や筋量維持の機序解明に関わり、治療ターゲットとなりうる。高齢化社会でますます問題化するサルコペニアやこれに関連する様々な疾患の治療開発の糸口となることが期待できる。