Molecular mechanisms underlying age-associated turmorigenesis

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H00514
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Medium-sized Section 50:Oncology and related fields
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Nakanshi Makoto 東京大学, 医科学研究所, 教授 (40217774)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 分子細胞生物

Outline of Final Research Achievements

p16-positive senescent-like stromal cells in cancer tissue functioned in an inhibitory manner against tumor immunity and were strongly involved in tumor growth by promoting cancer invasion and metastasis, as well as tumor fibrosis. Indeed, removal of p16-positive senescent-like stromal cells significantly reduced tumor growth and markedly improved the fibrosis seen in the central region. Furthermore, removal of p16-positive senescent-like stromal cells inhibited tumor growth more strongly than did administration of anticancer agents, and when combined with anticancer agents, the effect was additive in inhibiting tumor growth.

Free Research Field

分子細胞生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究で、がん間質のp16陽性老化様細胞が腫瘍免疫に対して抑制的に機能することが明らかとなったため、今後p16陽性老化様細胞除去技術と腫瘍免疫療法を併用することで相乗的な効果が期待できる。さらに最近、p16陽性老化細胞を標的とした抗老化療法の開発が世界的に進められており、本研究成果はこれらの技術を活用することで社会実装が促進されると思われる。