Investigation of the roles of pericyte K-ATP channel in ischemic stroke

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K16014
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 47040:Pharmacology-related
• Research Institution: National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute (2022); Nippon Medical School (2020)
• Principal Investigator: Ando Koji 国立研究開発法人国立循環器病研究センター, 研究所, 室長 (10736010)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: ペリサイト / K-ATPチャネル / 脳梗塞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study we have tried to clarify the role of ATP-dependent potassium channels (K-ATP channels) composed of KCNJ8 and ABCC9, which are pericyte-selectively expressed in the brain, on ischemic stroke. To this end, utilizing genetically modified mice which can control pericyte K-ATP channel function and K-ATP channel-targeting drugs, we analyzed the infarct area, neurological functions, cerebral blood flow, and blood-brain barrier permeability. Through the analysis, we found that pericyte K-ATP channel activity may have an important role in the protecting neurons after transient cerebral ischemia.

Free Research Field

血管生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本法では脳梗塞は高い死亡率に加え、発症後の要介護リスクの第2位を占めており、その克服が強く望まれる。本研究を遂行することにより、ペリサイトK-ATPチャネルが脳梗塞に対する治療標的となる可能性が示唆されつつあり、今後のペリサイトを焦点とした脳梗塞治療戦略の発展が見込まれ、本研究はその嚆矢としても重要な知見を提供するものである。