dormancy inducers and molecular mechanisms underlying late recurrence of breast cancer

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K07612
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 50010:Tumor biology-related
• Research Institution: Kanazawa University
• Principal Investigator: Kohno Susumu 金沢大学, がん進展制御研究所, 助教 (30625463)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: RB

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Late recurrence and metastasis, which exacerbate the long-term prognosis of breast cancer patients, are hypothesized to arise from repopulation of therapy-resistant dormant cancer cells. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of dormant cell induction triggered by RB inactivation from the perspectives of cell signaling and metabolism. Our findings demonstrate that RB inactivation downregulates the expression of cell cycle-related molecules and alters the phosphorylation levels of molecules involved in energy metabolism in certain cells. Additionally, our results suggest that RB inactivation attenuates RAS activity through modulation of FNTB expression, which participates in RAS maturation.

Free Research Field

腫瘍分子生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

休眠がん細胞は、増殖シグナルに応答しないため、HER2阻害や内分泌療法の効果は低い。そのため、長期治療後に再発・転移した場合、予後は極めて悪い。休眠状態に移行する機構を明らかにし、その機構を阻害することで休眠細胞が除去することができれば、新たな治療法の確立につながる。