Identification of metastasis-related genes using a spontaneous colorectal cancer metastasis model.

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K07440
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 49030:Experimental pathology-related
• Research Institution: Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute
• Principal Investigator: Fujishita Teruaki 愛知県がんセンター(研究所), がん病態生理学分野, 主任研究員 (50511870)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 大腸がん / 浸潤・転移 / マウスモデル

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Since the majority of deaths from colorectal cancer are caused by metastasis to other organs, the development of novel prevention and treatment is required. In this study, we succeeded in developing a genetically engineered mouse model in which colorectal cancer develops and metastasizes spontaneously to the liver at a low frequency of approximately 20%, and a mouse model in which the frequency of liver metastasis increases approximately twofold by introducing PiggyBac transposon into this mouse model. By analyzing these mouse models, metastasis related genes and signaling pathways were identified.

Free Research Field

腫瘍生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は大腸がんの発症から浸潤・転移といった大腸がんの悪性化に必要な遺伝子を、大腸がんを自然発症し遠隔臓器へ転移するモデルを開発することで、生体レベルで明らかにした。さらに遺伝子変異外にも転移で活性化するシグナル経路について同定できたことから、本研究成果はこれまで困難とれてきた転移能を獲得した大腸がんに対して新たな治療方法の開発に寄与するものである。