Lectin drug conjugate therapy for colorectal cancer

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K16404
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 50020:Tumor diagnostics and therapeutics-related
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: Ohara Yusuke 筑波大学, 医学医療系, 講師 (90757791)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: レクチン / 糖鎖 / 大腸癌 / 抗がん治療

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Our laboratory has identified pancreatic cancer-specific glycans (H-Type 1/3/4) using lectin microarray technology and clinically relevant animal models, and discovered a lectin, rBC2LC-N, which binds specifically to these glycans. We produced a fusion drug of lectin and endotoxin, which showed remarkable anti-tumor effects in a mouse pancreatic cancer model. Based on the results for pancreatic cancer, we are now preparing for lectin drug discovery, and have conducted research with a view to its application to colorectal cancer, which has a higher incidence than pancreatic cancer. In this study, we conducted experiments to elucidate glycan expression in colorectal cancer, to confirm its antitumor effect in mice, and to elucidate its pharmacokinetics, which will serve as a basis for the application of drug discovery to colorectal cancer, which our laboratory is promoting.

Free Research Field

消化器外科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本課題においては、糖鎖、レクチンをターゲットとした新規大腸癌治療戦略における基礎的研究の成果を得ることができた。これらにより本コンセプトが十分に臨床応用可能な治療になりうることを示すことができたと考える。