Elucidation of DHA's function as a protein interaction regulatory factor

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H03079
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 40040:Aquatic life science-related
• Research Institution: Teikyo University of Science & Technology
• Principal Investigator: Yamada Hidetoshi 帝京科学大学, 生命環境学部, 准教授 (70511955)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: DHA / RACK1 / PKCθ / 抗がん作用

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we focused on the interaction between RACK1 and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, aiming to elucidate the anti-cancer effects of DHA. Through our research, we discovered that the inhibitory effect on the interaction between RACK1 and either PKCβ or PKCθ is a DHA-specific action among fatty acids. Furthermore, we found that DHA alters the intracellular localization of PKCθ and RACK1, the anti-tumor effect of DHA is expressed in PKCθ-expressing cells, and DHA inhibits PKC signal transduction.
These results provide a novel mechanism of action for DHA's anti-cancer effect, previously unknown, suggesting that DHA may be particularly effective in cells that undergo cell proliferation dependent on PKCθ signaling.

Free Research Field

農芸化学、脂質生化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究成果は、DHAの抗がん作用に関する新たな作用機序を示す結果であり、脂肪酸や脂肪酸代謝物によるがんの予防や治療に関する新たな知見である。さらに、DHAがPKCθシグナル依存的に細胞増殖を行う細胞に特に有効である可能性を示唆していることから、がん治療の新たな可能性を示す研究である。