Elucidation of expression dynamics of CDX2 as a biomarker for ovarian mucinous carcinoma

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K18644
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56040:Obstetrics and gynecology-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: Koh Iemasa 広島大学, 医系科学研究科(医), 講師 (10794779)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 卵巣粘液性癌 / CDX2 / Reg IV / 5-FU

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Ovarian mucinous carcinoma is resistant to chemotherapy and has a poor prognosis; we investigated the possibility of personalized medicine using CDX2 as a biomarker. We focused on the REG4 gene, which is involved in suppression of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Using clinical specimens of ovarian mucinous carcinoma, we found a correlation between CDX2 and Reg IV expression by immunohistochemical staining. In ovarian mucinous carcinoma cell lines, Reg IV expression was enhanced by gene transfer of CDX2. As a result, apoptosis was enhanced and sensitivity to 5-FU was also enhanced. These results suggest that the expression of REG4 may be regulated via CDX2 in ovarian mucinous carcinoma, and a new chemotherapy based on 5-FU is expected.

Free Research Field

婦人科腫瘍

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

卵巣癌の治療には化学療法が不可欠であり、その奏効率は予後に大きく影響を与える。卵巣癌の標準レジメンであるパクリタキセルとカルボプラチンの併用療法が開発され、大きく予後が改善された。しかし、卵巣粘液性癌は、以前として他の組織型より明らかに予後不良である。本研究の結果から、卵巣粘液性癌では、CDX2 を介して REG4 の発現を調節している可能性が示唆され、5-FUを中心とした新しい化学療法が期待された。CDX2 をバイオマーカーとした卵巣粘液性癌に対する新規治療法の開発は、個別化医療につながり、非常に意義のある研究と考える。