Function of CD109 as suppressor of TGF-beta signaling in pancreatic cancer

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K17416
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 53010:Gastroenterology-related
• Research Institution: Miyagi Prefectural Hospital Organization Miyagi Cancer Center
• Principal Investigator: Iwai Wataru 地方独立行政法人宮城県立病院機構宮城県立がんセンター(研究所), がん幹細胞研究部, 特任研究員 (80814540)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 膵癌

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The GPI-anchored protein CD109 is thought to suppress TGF-β signaling and promote cell proliferation, and indeed its expression is increased in squamous cell carcinoma. In this study, we will investigate CD109 and TGF-β signaling to target CD109 and TGF-β signaling in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma. The results of this study indicate that CD109 plays an important role in promoting tumorigenic potential and cell motility, resulting in PDAC cell metastasis.

Free Research Field

がん生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

膵がんは代表的な難治性がんであり、新しい治療標的が必要である。わたしはTGF-βシグナルにかかわる分子CD109に焦点を当て解析した結果、CD109が膵がん細胞の造腫瘍能・遊走能に関わることを明らかにした。実際の患者検体においても、CD109はがん細胞で高発現し、CD109高発現症例は遠隔転移が有意に多かった。今後は更に知見を重ねることでCD109を標的とした治療法の開発を進める。