Elucidation of the mechanisms of vagal signal-mediated organ and tissue mass regulation and its therapeutic application

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K17525
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 54040:Metabolism and endocrinology-related
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: IZUMI Tomohito 東北大学, 医学系研究科, 大学院非常勤講師 (80747064)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 膵β細胞 / 再生医療 / 自律神経 / 臓器間ネットワーク

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we conducted basic experiments to elucidate the mechanisms of cell proliferation by vagal signals and its therapeutic application. First, by comprehensive analysis of gene expression in mouse isolated islets treated with vagus-derived factors, we identified some candidate pathways. Next, by employing the technique of optogenetics, we found that continuous activation of vagal nerves in living mice successfully increased pancreatic β cell mass. We also performed experiments in which multiple factors that act as ligands for G protein-coupled receptors, similar to vagal factors, were loaded on isolated mouse islets, and found that some combinations of several factors could induce pancreatic islet cell proliferation. The above results are expected to lead to the development of regenerative treatment for diseases such as diabetes.

Free Research Field

代謝学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、研究代表者が所属するグループが見出した神経シグナルを介した細胞増殖誘導機構を応用することで、生体内あるいは生体外で標的となる細胞量を増加させることができることを示した。これらの成果は、膵β細胞が減少することにより発症する糖尿病をはじめとした、種々の疾患に対する再生治療の開発につながることが期待される。