Ovarian dysfunction related to exosomal deficiency

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H03124
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 42010:Animal production science-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Sugiura Koji 東京大学, 大学院農学生命科学研究科(農学部), 准教授 (20595623)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: エクソソーム / 卵巣 / 卵

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Exosomes contain nucleic acids, proteins, and other substances, and transmit information to target cells. They are also present in ovarian follicles; however, the physiological roles and mechanisms of action of follicular exosomes are not well understood. This study demonstrated that exosomes are taken up by follicular somatic granulosa cells through multiple endocytic pathways, and some of these pathways are influenced by factors secreted by oocytes. Additionally, a novel mouse model was generated, and phenotypic analysis was performed to investigate the physiological functions of follicular exosomes.

Free Research Field

繁殖遺伝学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

卵巣異常は動物のメスの繁殖障害の主な要因の一つであるが、その発症メカニズムの多くはいまだに理解されていない。本研究では、近年、新たな細胞間情報伝達因子として注目されているエクソソームに着目し、その作用機序の解明や、さらなる解析のためのモデル動物の作製を行った。これは哺乳類卵巣の発達・機能制御メカニズムの理解という学術的意義の高さだけではなく、エクソソーム異常に起因する卵巣異常の同定、診断・治療方法の開発などにつながる社会的意義の高いものである。