Elucidation of the physiological significance of cell-specific purinergic chemical transmission

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K15993
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 47030:Pharmaceutical hygiene and biochemistry-related
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Kato Yuri 九州大学, 薬学研究院, 助教 (10732042)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: ATP / プリン作動性化学伝達 / 慢性疼痛

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Purinergic chemical transmission has been reported to be associated with a wide variety of physiological effects, including pain. We focused on vesicular nucleotide transporter (VNUT), which controls the accumulation of ATP in synaptic vesicles. The aim of the project was to elucidate the pathogenesis of chronic pain and to clarify the physiological significance of purinergic chemical transmission in tissues. Furthermore, we explored VNUT inhibitors and aimed to develop novel, molecularly targeted drugs with fewer side effects. This study revealed that eicosapentaenoic acid, an essential fatty acid, selectively inhibits VNUT, regulates ATP release, and suppresses chronic pain.

Free Research Field

生化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

これまで必須脂肪酸の一つであるEPAは鎮痛効果をもつことが知られていたが、その標的分子は不明であった。今回、新たにEPAがVNUTを標的として慢性疼痛を抑制することを見出した。これらのことから、鎮痛薬についてトランスポーターを標的した新たな治療戦略を提案することができた。