Development of diagnostic methods and inhibitory therapies for degenerative joint diseases through comprehensive analysis of cell membrane ion channels

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K09407
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 56020:Orthopedics-related
• Research Institution: Shiga University of Medical Science
• Principal Investigator: Kumagai Kosuke 滋賀医科大学, 医学部, 特任講師 (50649366)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 今井 晋二 滋賀医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (90283556) ; 豊田 太 滋賀医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (90324574)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 関節リウマチ / 変形性関節症 / 細胞膜イオンチャネル / 網羅的解析

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We have been investigating the molecular entities of target cell membrane ion channels involved in maintaining the homeostasis of synovial membranes and cartilage, as well as identifying and analyzing disease-specific factors. By utilizing synovial membranes, we have compared the characteristics of inflammation in OA and RA, and based on the analysis of similarities between inflammatory OA and RA, we focused on several cell membrane ion channels. As a result, we identified the LRRC8 family as the most noteworthy channel in the synovial membrane. Currently, we continue to collect additional samples from OA and RA patients who are undergoing treatment at our hospital, striving to standardize individual differences. Furthermore, to examine disease-modifying factors, we are continuing statistical analysis on patient characteristics and medications based on age and comorbidities.

Free Research Field

整形外科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の特色は、細胞の恒常性維持に関わるイオンチャネルを遺伝子レベルから網羅的に扱い、その分子機構・機能解析を客観的かつ定量的に行う点にある。今回の結果より細胞膜イオンチャネルを経路とした関節変性疾患の発症機序の解明、早期診断ならびにその予防といった臨床的応用、治療法の確立の一助となる知見を得ることが出来た。今後更に解析を進めることにより、関節症発症のリスク管理や患者の訴えが関節変形を認めず疼痛のみの初期症状の際に、正確な診断を得ることが可能となると考えられる。