Role of cancer-associated myofibroblast (CAFs) in the cancer niche based on the regulation of PP2A activity

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K05919
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 42020:Veterinary medical science-related
• Research Institution: Yamaguchi University
• Principal Investigator: Sato Koichi 山口大学, 共同獣医学部, 教授 (90205914)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: がん / SET / 筋線維芽細胞 / CAFs / がんニッチ / 微小環境

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Cancer stem cells grow in their surrounding microenvironment, known as the tumor niche. Consequently, in addition to directly targeting the cancer cells, a drug strategy targeting the tumor niche to starve the cancer cells has garnered attention. Indeed, anti-angiogenic agents have already been implemented. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are crucial components of the cancer niche and have been highlighted as potential drug targets. However, recent research has revealed the existence of both pro-tumorigenic (bad) CAFs and tumor-suppressive (good) CAFs. In this study, we successfully identified a novel tumor-suppressive CAF and elucidated the molecular mechanism by which CAFs acquire their tumor-suppressive function.

Free Research Field

獣医薬理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

癌関連筋線維芽細胞（CAFs）には、悪玉CAFsと善玉CAFsが存在し、がん治療を考えるうえでは、悪玉を減らし善玉を増やす必要がある。本研究では、善玉CAFsの新たなマーカーを同定することに成功し、さらにそのタンパク質がCAFsを善玉に変える分子機構を明らかにした。本研究の成果は、CAFsが善玉になるか悪玉になるかを分かつ機構の解明につながる。また将来的に、CAFsにおいてそのタンパク質の発現を誘導できれば、善玉CAFsによるがん治療の実現につながる可能性がある。