Activation of Oral Mucosa Barrier Function by Regulating the Activity of Temperature-Sensitive TRP Channels

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K18828
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 57080:Social dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: Kato Hiroko 大阪大学, 大学院薬学研究科, 特任准教授(常勤) (70749994)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-02-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 温度感受性 / 上皮細胞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Proteins that change expression and activity with temperature and their involvement in immune response and regulation of skin barrier function have been reported, however, the relationship between temperature, immunity, and barrier function in the epithelium is still unclear. We analyzed three-dimensional culture models with temperature gradients to mimic living organisms under temperature stimulation to elucidate the relationship between temperature and immune regulation and barrier function in epithelial cells. The analysis showed changes in the expression of genes related to cell proliferation and differentiation, inflammation, immunity, and energy metabolism.

Free Research Field

細胞生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

温度刺激そのものが免疫機能の調節やバリア機能亢進に有用であった場合は簡易な治療、予防法の開発に研究成果を応用可能である。また既存の薬剤とは全く異なるメカニズムによる抗炎症製品などの開発や、副作用が少ない薬剤やヘルスケア用品の開発も期待できる。温度のグラデーションや薬剤により厚い上皮が形成された場合は、移植後の組織再建や創傷治癒の観点からも有用であるため、再生医療の技術革新にも貢献することが可能である。