Expression Analysis of Susceptibility Genes for Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament of the Cervical Spine in Human OPLL-related Tissues and a Spinal Hyperostotic Mouse.

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K18494
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56020:Orthopedics-related
• Research Institution: University of Fukui
• Principal Investigator: Watanabe Shuji 福井大学, 学術研究院医学系部門(附属病院部), 助教 (00596679)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 靭帯骨化症 / ttwマウス / 疾患関連候補遺伝子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we mainly used human ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament(OPLL) and ossification of yellow ligament(OYL) specimens collected at surgery and the cervical spine of ttw mice, an animal model of spinal ligament ossification, to immunohistologically evaluate genes and proteins that are thought to be related to ossification around the ossified area. This revealed that genes called HAO1 and RSPO2 are expressed around the ossified area in the early stages of ossification. The use of an animal model allowed for evaluation over time, and this also showed in the results that the genes change over time.

Free Research Field

脊椎脊髄病学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

脊柱靭帯骨化症はいまだに原因不明の疾患とされ、明確な治療法が確立されておらず、手術により神経麻痺の進行予防を行う他に有効な治療は報告されていない。本研究により、靭帯骨化症の初期段階に関与する遺伝子が示唆され、これらがさらに詳細に研究されることで、将来的には靭帯骨化症の治療につながる可能性があると考えられる。