Identification and function analyses of novel cancer-specific transfer RNA fragments in esophageal cancer

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K09078
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 55020:Digestive surgery-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: Hamai Yoichi 広島大学, 病院(医), 講師 (90423384)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 食道癌 / Small RNA / Micro RNA / Transfer RNA

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In the present study, we aimed to analyze the functions of micro RNA (miRNA) and transfer RNA fragments (tRFs), which were specifically identified in blood serum of esophageal cancer patients and were also significantly associated with the various expressions of RNA extracted from culture supernatant for esophageal cancer cell lines in hypoxic environment. We conducted the comprehensive small RNA expression analysis for theses esophageal cancer cell lines cultured in hypoxic environment, and some distinguishing miRNAs and tRFs were identified. The cell lines, which were increased or decreased these small RNA expressions, were made for subsequent evaluations of small RNA (miRNAs and tRFs) functions. We subsequently assessed the various cancer specific functions of these miRNAs and tRFs, such as anticancer drug sensitivity, invasive capacity and migration capability, in these esophageal cancer cell liens.

Free Research Field

消化器外科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

近年、tRFは多様な生物活性を有し、様々な細胞プロセスに関与することが報告されている。tRFは細胞の種類や疾患状態に高度に依存しているため優れたバイオマーカーになると考えられるが、その機能はいまだ不明な点が多い。本研究は実際に治療を行った癌患者の検体を用いtRFの選定を行う点、そこで同定された新規tRFの機能解析を行うことで新たな癌の分子機構を解明する点が、既存の報告にはない特徴である。本研究で得られた結果は臨床応用に直結し、多くの癌患者にとって有益になる。