Analysis of molecular dynamics of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in sweat glands for elucidation of dyshidrosis

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K08654
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 53050:Dermatology-related
• Research Institution: Nagasaki University
• Principal Investigator: KOIKE Yuta 長崎大学, 病院(医学系), 講師 (10530412)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 皮膚科学 / 難病 / 無汗症 / 発汗障害 / 上皮間葉移行

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study focuses on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cells of the eccrine sweat gland secretory zone and analyzes its molecular dynamics. Since functional abnormalities of the eccrine sweat gland contribute to heatstroke, which has become a social problem in recent years, understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology is required, especially in diseases involving sweating.
Transcriptome analysis of sweat gland sections cut from anhidrotic and normal skin samples of patients with acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis (AIGA) revealed changes in EMT-related molecules. In addition, specific EMT-related transcription factors were expressed in the skin of patients with systemic scleroderma. These results suggest that EMT-induced changes in cellular function are involved in pathological changes in the sweat glands.

Free Research Field

皮膚科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、特発性後天性全身性無汗症や全身性強皮症といった無汗・低汗症を伴う疾患において、その病態がエクリン汗腺分泌部細胞の変化、特に上皮間葉移行（EMT）を伴う細胞形質変化を伴うところ検討した。これら難病の病態解析・症状発現調整の基盤となる可能性がある。