Development of early diagnosis and indicators of asbestos-related diseases: analysis of microRNAs in exosomes

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K19423
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 58020:Hygiene and public health-related: including laboratory approach
• Research Institution: University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
• Principal Investigator: Tomonaga Taisuke 産業医科大学, 産業生態科学研究所, 助教 (20721707)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: アスベスト / エクソソーム / マイクロRNA

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To search for asbestos exposure-specific indicators, cell culture experiments and intratracheal instillation using asbestos and crystalline silica were conducted, and comprehensive genetic and real-time PCR analyses of microRNAs in exosomes (Exo-miRNA) were performed. The expression of Exo-miRNA in rat bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner in the acute phase of asbestos exposure and was also correlated with indicators of lung inflammation. Exo-miRNAs in rat serum also correlated with the number of asbestos in the lungs and indicators of lung inflammation during the acute phase of exposure. These Exo-miRNAs were suggested to be useful as Exo-miRNAs to evaluate and predict the presence of asbestos exposure, especially in the acute phase.

Free Research Field

呼吸病態学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

アスベスト関連疾患の早期発見・診断指標の開発は、初発症状に乏しく進行して症状が発現することの多い悪性胸膜中皮腫の発症予防にとって重要である。本試験では、ラットを用いたエクソソームに内包されたマイクロRNA（Exo-miRNA）の解析で選定されたExo-miRNAは、アスベストばく露の有無を評価・予測するとして、アスベストばく露の急性期での評価に有用性が示唆された。将来的にExo-miRNAによるアスベストばく露の予測指標の開発の一助となる可能性があり、悪性胸膜中皮腫発症のリスクを低下させることに貢献することが予測される。